M¯aori throw Ioane a lifeline

The Crusaders clinching a third successive Super Rugby title shouldn’t be taken lightly because it’s some achievement. When Scott Robertson took over the coaching reins in 2017, the Christchurch-based outfit were competitive, but not nearly as dominant as they are at the moment.

To create a team that managed to finish atop the overall conference for three consecutive years and win the quarterfinals, semifinals and finals convincingly is something very special. I think anybody can understand how good that achievement is in modern professional rugby.

Under Robertson’s guidance, the Crusaders have lost only five of 56 games on their way to a hattrick of Super Rugby successes. What Robertson has achieved at the Crusaders is phenomenal, but I’m sure he would be the first to admit he has boasted a very good support staff.

The influence of Brad Mooar and Ronan O’Gara as assistant coaches cannot be understated.

I spent some time with Brad when I was with the Sharks and I

Akira Ioane is unwanted by the All Blacks but the New Zealand Ma¯ ori have had no hesitation is handing him the No 8 jersey for their clash against Fiji tomorrow.

Ioane was on the end of some harsh words from Steve Hansen last week, particularly with regards to his fitness, but he will get a chance to prove the All Blacks coach wrong in what are likely to be hot conditions in Suva.

Hooker Ash Dixon will captain a NZ Ma¯ori side that is packed full of Super Rugby players and fringe All Blacks, with Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi getting the nod at halfback and Hurricanes-bound tighthead Tyrel Lomax starting in the No 3 jersey.

NZ Ma¯ori coach Clayton McMillan hailed the depth in his squad and said it would be needed against a Fiji side that was preparing for the Rugby World Cup.

‘‘We have named a strong side to reflect what we think is going was so impressed with him as a coach and person. For Robertson to have had Mooar and O’Gara within his coaching staff would have been priceless because they are two strong personalities committed to the cause.

Man-management is not just about getting the best out of your players but support staff, too, as evidenced by Mark McCall at Saracens, who I saw this week.

The departure of O’Gara and Mooar from next season will leave a void, but if the Crusaders can keep hold of Robertson they can continue their dominance.

That is most probably going to be the biggest challenge for the Crusaders because, like good players who get poached, top coaches are no different.

If Robertson went into the open market, the team that acquired his services would pay him handsomely because he has been very successful. He would without a doubt be able to earn €1 million a year (NZ$1.7m).

The 44-year-old will front a New Zealand Rugby interview panel in December, with the All Blacks head coaching position up for grabs with Steve Hansen stepping aside post-World Cup.

I think it would be a brilliant move from NZR to appoint the man, who led New Zealand to the under-20 championship title in 2015, as the next All Blacks coach because he is definitely the most exciting coach in the world right now.

It would be incredible if Robertson were to succeed Hansen as All Blacks boss but the former’s personality is as far away from a typical All Blacks Parkinson, Marcel Renata, Whetu Douglas, Alex Nankivell and Bryn Hall sitting on the bench.

‘‘We expect the conditions will be hot, but we know that many of these Super Rugby players have played in Fiji before so that experience will be invaluable,’’ McMillan said.

‘‘We’re wanting the boys to be direct in contact, and deliberate in their game decisions, so having someone like Ash lead them will be critical.

‘‘We’re very fortunate that many of these lads have played together in this team, and it’s very exciting that we will get an opportunity to do it all over again in Rotorua next week.’’

NZ Ma¯ ori have a strong record against Fiji, playing the island nation 29 times for 20 wins, seven losses and two draws.

They are unbeaten against Fiji since 1957 including their last encounter in Suva four years ago.

That day, the Maori All Blacks sneaked ahead 27-26 to break Fijian hearts.

Tomorrow’s game at ANZ Stadium, Suva kicks off at 3pm.