Five contenders to be the next All Blacks coach
Joe Schmidt and Ian Foster would appear to be the standout contenders to replace Steve Hansen when the New Zealand head coach ends his glorious reign next year.
Hansen announced in Auckland on Friday morning that he will step down following the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan.
There was plenty of talk about who might replace the long-serving 59-year-old before he revealed his future plans.
We look at five coaches who could be given the honour of taking charge of the mighty All Blacks.
JOE SCHMIDT
Schmidt has worked wonders with Ireland, but last month announced he will move on after the World Cup.
The New Zealander said he will take a break to spend time with his family when he walks away from the Six Nations champions, but also said “never say never” when asked about taking a role with his country of birth.
New Zealand Rugby chief executive Steve Tew revealed that Schmidt turned down a chance to work under Hansen last year, but rejecting the top job would surely be unlikely.
Schmidt has masterminded three Six Nations triumphs and a Grand Slam during his Ireland tenure, also toasting two victories over the world champions.
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IAN FOSTER
Hansen’s trusted assistant Foster should also be in the running to step up.
Foster was hailed by Tew for his “invaluable contribution” to the All Blacks’ success when he signed a new deal until 2019 last year.
Recruited by Hansen in 2012, Foster could provide a smooth transition if NZ Rugby opt to promote from within.
The former Chiefs head coach, who looks after the team’s back play and attack, has made no secret of his ambition to replace Hansen.
SCOTT ROBERTSON
Robertson has been linked with the role after guiding the Crusaders to back-to-back Super Rugby titles.
The 44-year-old former All Black lifted the title in his first season in charge of the Christchurch franchise and they retained their crown in August.
Robertson’s contract expires after the 2019 season and he has made it clear he would find it hard to say no if offered the chance to coach his country.
“The All Black job doesn’t come up that often does it? When it does, you have to have a really good look at it,” said Robertson, who oversaw New Zealand’s 2015 World Rugby Under-20 Championship triumph.
WARREN GATLAND
Warren Gatland is another head coach set to move on to pastures new after the World Cup.
The long-serving Wales boss stated his intention to work back in his home country of New Zealand after such a long stint in Europe.
Gatland, who guided the British and Irish Lions to a series draw against the All Blacks last year, has also been linked with the England job.
Vast experience definitely ought to count in his favour, but Gatland’s perceived direct style of play could work against him.
DAVE RENNIE
Rennie is held in high regard after doing such an outstanding job at the Chiefs before moving on to Glasgow Warriors.
The 55-year-old also honed the talents of a New Zealand U20 side regarded as the greatest age-grade team in history, including the likes of Beauden Barrett, Brodie Retallick, Sam Cane and Waisake Naholo.
Rennie won Super Rugby titles in his first two seasons with the Chiefs and was said to be in the running for the Wales job before Wayne Pivac got the nod.
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Comments on RugbyPass
What a joke. Total joke and the pundits commentating, all of whom know a bit about the game, could barely disguise their contempt. Reaching for the card then pulling back when he realised a red card would carry further match suspensions is simply not his decision to make. A clear and obvious influence on the outcome of this match and indeed, the championship path.
2 Go to commentsI like the idea, in NZ the Ranfurly Shield and NPC coexist, both having their own bragging rights. The World Cup would be the pinnacle, but the competition and travels of these trophies would be interesting.
40 Go to commentsDon’t worry Sonny bill Williams leave that awkward situation about the curfew in the pass whoever it was it doesn’t matter its no big deal we back our All Blacks through the storm and the thunder until we see the Sun light again.
42 Go to commentsWho listens to this retard? He was a massive liability as a player but obviously a media sensation
42 Go to commentsI’m not surprised by such ‘virtue signalling’ by Sonny Boy. Butter wouldn’t melt in his mouth. He’s such a pious Islamic muppet, imo.
42 Go to commentsI’ve actually never heard of the guy (then I don’t watch League as it is boring). But if he is good enough.. then good luck to him. If not, well, he can always return to league.
2 Go to commentsIt is pretty clear that by almost any measure that NZ are a more successful rugby nation than South Africa. Quite aside from the distasteful events during the last RWC final. NZ lead SA in all significant measurements.
40 Go to commentsDickson went to his pocket for a card, saw who it was, changed his mind and spoke at length to TMO. One angle clearly shows Care diving over a Saints player to kill the ball. 1st yellow, reason given for not Red was player was falling backwards. He was only falling backwards after contact with Lawes. Graham try should have stood. Mitchell did not have both hands on the ball, ball went forward from a Saints boot dragging over it. 2 intentional knock-on's. One of which had an overlap on the outside. If Quins are happy to win by intentional foul play, then it does not say much for them. Would appear to be a bad day for Karl Dickson, also for the RFU in appointing a Ref who spent 8 years as a player at one of the clubs.
2 Go to commentsLet’s not forget about Ardie Savea just yet.
4 Go to commentsThe URC and the Euro Championscup can’t run at the same time, basically dilutes both competitions.
1 Go to comments“While Sotutu should start at No.8 for the All Blacks against England, but it’s only in that arena that he can prove just how good he really is.” And that my friends is where simply hasnt shone despite multiple opportunities. Even in this performance you can see what did him in in the test arena..he almost always still runs at the opposition almost ramrod upright making him easier to stop than it should be.
4 Go to commentsShould have been 0-0 and a message from SR CEO to both teams - “don’t worry about turning up next year”.
4 Go to commentsGreat work Owen Franks. A great of this team, scoring his first try for the Crusaders since 2010.He was beaming, justifiably. A fine win, he and the rest did the job up front.
1 Go to commentsDanny Care. Lang in die tand.
1 Go to commentsBig empty stadium does nothing for atmosphere but munster are playing well with solid performance
1 Go to commentsYes, Fiji can win the World Cup! With that belief plus their christian faith🙏 and hard work it is achievable. Great article. Ian Duncan Fiji resident 1981-84
2 Go to commentsInteresting comments about Touch. England’s hosting the Touch World Cup this year and the numbers have exploded since their last World Cup in 2019, something like 70% more teams and 40 nations taking part. And England Touch have made a big thing about how many universities are in their BUCS University Touch Championship as well as Sport England membership. Can only see this growing even more domestically as more people become aware of it
10 Go to comments“Cortez Ratima is light years ahead of anyone on current form, while TJ Perenara has also skyrocketed into contention following the unfortunate injury to the talented Cam Roigard.” At last some sanity. Hitherto so many pundits have been wittering on about Finlay Christie to the point one wondered if they were observing a FC in a parallel universe where the FC they saw wasnt just the mediocre Shayne Philpott project of Fosters hapless AB reign in the real world. Ratima, Perenara and Fakatava are the ONLY logical 9s for Razor now Roigard is crocked.
4 Go to commentsThis game was just as painful as the Hurricanes game. It was real fork-in-the-eye stuff.
4 Go to commentsNow if they could just fire the Crusaders ground PA guy who likes to play his dance music and just loves the sound of his own voice the entire game, even when play is going on. And I thought their brass band thing of a few years ago was bad.
5 Go to comments