Next All Blacks coach?
Ion ahead of what promises to be a hectic 2019 – World Cup year. Today, we ask title, and Steve Hansen calls it quits, should he be a lock-in for the top job?
Jamie Joseph as top-shelf candidates.
As much as NZR might wince at the thought of appointing Gatland, who jabbed the All Blacks on and off the park in last year’s drawn series with the British and Irish Lions, his extensive international resume and efforts in getting Wales to No 3 in the world rankings can’t afford to go unnoticed.
For Robertson, this just looks one cycle too soon to be considered any sort of certainty for the job.
When his contract expires after next season, perhaps his best option is to tuck the surfboard under the arm and check out the hot spots in Europe.
His results are exemplary – three titles in four years with Canterbury, one from two with the New Zealand under-20s, and 34 wins from 37 games equating to back-to-back triumphs with the Crusaders.
The latter has of course been while working with an All Blacksladen forward pack, whereas those aforementioned coaches have been renowned for their ability to get results with lesserdistinguished cattle.
And it may be that Robertson is still to be tested through a bit of adversity too.
The vivaciousness, and his ability to motivate players with a fresh take on things, are certainly qualities the All Blacks could look forward to. But at some stage down the track.
For Robertson, this just looks one cycle too soon to be considered any sort of certainty for the job.