Why Razor wanted a fourth assistant coach
Tamati Ellison’s addition to the Crusaders’ coaching staff means Scott Robertson won’t be stretched in pursuit of a fifth straight Super Rugby crown.
He’s always had four assistants since taking the reins in 2017, but there was a suggestion the Crusaders would roll a man down in 2021 after Welshman Mark Jones, who joined English premiership club Worcester Warriors and opted not to return last month.
Essentially, having a fourth assistant – one more than the Highlanders – is more important than reducing their wage bill at a time the global pandemic has hit New Zealand Rugby and the five franchises in the pocket.
‘‘Personally, [a fourth assistant] allows me to step back a bit and see the big picture stuff, rather than be hands-on on the field,’’ Robertson said.
‘‘He’s played in a lot of different teams and been under some great coaches. So, he will bring his own flavour to that experience and it lets me focus with a higher view.’’
Ellison will assist with team defence and position-specific player development, a role Andrew Goodman did before being elevated to backs coach when Ronan O’Gara left after the 2019 campaign.
It’s meant a ‘‘crash course’’ for 37-year-old former All Black Ellison, who arrived in Christchurch last weekend and stepped on the training paddock on Monday.
‘‘The crash course is still going. Get back to the office after this and get across the detail. It’s pretty important for me to have things right in my head, so I can deliver. It will be a busy week but the support has been really good,’’ Ellison said.
Before the Crusaders came calling, the fourtest All Black was set to return to Japan, where he was recently a player-coach in the Japanese Top League with Kurita Water
Gush.
Ellison, also a part of the Wellington Lions coaching group in the Mitre 10 Cup competition last year, didn’t need his arm twisted when the offer came.
‘‘It was a massive opportunity, something I probably hadn’t thought about, really, being Wellington born and bred, ex Hurricanes man, but it’s definitely an honour and looking forward to getting into the work.’’
Ellison’s appointment means the Crusaders have a former Hurricane in the mix, while the Wellington-based franchise has a former Crusader – pivot Tyler Bleyendaal – on their coaching staff.