Crusaders head coach Scott Robertson may have missed out succeeding Steve Hansen as All Blacks boss, but one of his former players believes a stint overseas could aid a future application.
Robertson was ousted by All Blacks assistant coach Ian Foster for New Zealand’s top job following the All Blacks’ semi-final exit at the World Cup in Japan last year, despite his exemplary record in the professional coaching ranks.
After claiming eight provincial titles in nine years as an assistant and head coach at Canterbury and a World U20 Championship with New Zealand, the 45-year-old has led the Crusaders to three consecutive Super Rugby titles in his first three seasons in charge of the Christchurch franchise.
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While his focus will remain firmly on chasing a fourth straight crown this year, he is undoubtedly a man in demand within the global rugby fraternity as his coaching stocks grow with every title-winning success he accomplishes.
Former Crusaders loose forward Jordan Taufua played under Robertson’s tutelage between 2017 and 2019, and believes a potential shift to a cash-rich European club would see his success follow through into the northern hemisphere.
“Razor’s accomplished a lot in Super Rugby so if he did come here, he’d definitely make a difference,” Taufua, who now plies his trade in the Gallagher Premiership with the Leicester Tigers, told the Rugby Paper.
“With his personality and energy and good views on the game, he would bring something a bit different and that could benefit him in the future.”
Former All Black Sonny Bill Williams' cross-code appealhttps://t.co/G4nGDth0i4
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It’s believed that Robertson’s perceived inexperience as a coach was one of the reasons he was overlooked for the All Blacks position in favour of Foster.
However, Taufua believes a stint in one of Europe’s big three domestic leagues could also enhance his chances of pushing for a spot with the All Blacks in the coming years.
“New Zealand have been the best team in the world for such a long time and it’s the hardest job to get. Scott had a good chance and that’s not to say he won’t be there in the future, but a stint in Europe might help him.”
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