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Incoming All Blacks assistant Jason Holland reflects on ‘special’ opportunity
For any rugby player or coach in New Zealand, contributing to the history of the All Blacks or Black Ferns is the “pinnacle.”
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The legacy of the coveted black jersey is steeped in both tradition and prestige, as it represents a small rugby-mad nation at the bottom of the world.
Earlier this week, New Zealand Rugby announced the four assistant coaches who would join Scott Robertson in the All Blacks after this year’s World Cup.
Blues boss Leon MacDonald is one of them, and described his new opportunity with the All Blacks as a “dream job” earlier this week – saying it was the “pinnacle” of coaching in New Zealand.
Along with MacDonald, Crusaders assistant Scott Hansen and Hurricanes coach Jason Holland are joining the national setup.
Current All Black assistant Jason Ryan has retained his role as forwards coach.
One of MacDonald’s incoming colleagues at the All Blacks – who is currently coaching one of the New Zealand Super Rugby Pacific teams – echoed those comments in a recent interview.
Incoming assistant Jason Holland said that “without a doubt”, the opportunity to coach the All Blacks was a dream come true.
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“Without a doubt,” Holland said on The Platform. “I’m loving my time at the Canes but at the same time, the All Blacks is something you aspire to.
“Probably think it’s out of reach as a young fella.
“As a player you aspire to it and now as a coach, so it’s pretty special.”
Super Rugby Pacific head coaches MacDonald and Holland had been linked with positions under Scott Robertson for a fair amount of time.
Holland somewhat confirmed the rumours earlier this month, revealing that he’d “had a chat” with Scott Robertson.
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But after a successful stint in the capital, Holland will officially leave the Hurricanes at the end of the season to pursue this opportunity with the All Blacks.
But before then, it’s game on between the future colleagues.
“Before the end of Super footy, I can’t speak to the other guys but I’ll probably be keeping a few ideas in my head until the end of Super footy,” he added.
“But the minute that ends come June, even though contracts start on the first of November, the way Razor operates, we’ll be chatting non-stop about footy, watching footy, talking about footy.
“Super job to do first and we’ll compete pretty hard for the next seven or eight weeks, then your mind will change to really again which is we won’t want to knock off from rugby for long.”
Following their bye week, the Hurricanes will look to return to winning ways when they host the Brumbies on Friday night at Sky Stadium.
The Brumbies are currently second on the Super Rugby Pacific ladder, and will be eager to make a statement against their New Zealand opposition.
“We had a bye week last week so the boys had a bit of a freshen up last week.
“It’s a massive game.
“We’ve been really studying really why we’re not quite getting over the line in those big games, we’ve lost two big games with the Blues and the Chiefs.
“Brumbies are now second on the table and are a pretty good side so it’s a massive night for us.
“I think we’re in a good place to perform well.”
Comments on RugbyPass
Why do people keep on picking Ardie at 7 when he's a ball in hand 8? A modern 7 is the lead tackler and ruck clearer which isn't his strength.
14 Go to commentsSly dig there at Ireland’s propensity to back a non-Irish coach. Must really want it. I’m not sure I like ROG very much. Comes off as unpleasant. But he’d gain my respect if he took a number 7 ranked team and turned them into WC winners. Not even back-to-back. Argentina? Scotland? Or how about Wales? France would be too easy, no?
1 Go to commentsA bit of sensationalism, but surprised by the comments about SBW. I’ve always thought of him as a pretty authentic person. There is nothing worse than working with a colleague you’ve seen straight through.
9 Go to comments100% agree with your comment about Touch. I’ve been playing it competitively since Covid. It’s on a Wednesday night after work. It means the weekend is free for time with my family.
1 Go to commentsRodda back is massively important for the Wallabies. Kaitu at hooker important too coz he was very good a few years ago.
1 Go to commentsThe pink cabous might be eligible this year and the Boks don’t need him
7 Go to commentsNasser and kaitu are options for hooker. Especially Nasser. You forgot Rodda who touch wood will be fit at test time and if fit he’s number one. Great partner for the great Skelton and Oz best lineout caller. Third best lock is LSL whom I’d be inclined to sub on for Skelton around 60 minutes. Probably start valetini at 8 because I like a big body back there. Cale should play 6 at the brumbies. For Wallabies definitely cale in the squad but as an apprentice. Dunno who starts at 6 seru wright Swinton hanigan with Will Harris and Harry Wilson not far away. Seru and Swinton my front runners but Swinton is going. Still if we don’t cap seru then Fiji must coz they need his lineout skills and easily compensate for his lack of weight
7 Go to commentsYeah but who was it?
9 Go to commentsThink you might have written this just before the Brumbies got thrashed last weekend
7 Go to commentsI really do believe that Billy Proctor should be selected at least in the larger squad but also it would be my choice at 13, much more a center than Ioane who can still play at wing. Roigard if fit should play, otherwise it should be Perenara or Christie. Also, Iose could deserve a spot at blindside. Of course, being a Canes supporter I’m biased but I really believe that at least Billy P is deserving a chance and being Holland one of the Selectors, I’m having a little hope he could grab it.
14 Go to commentsI would not play Swinton I’d pick Wright or Hanigan. The rest are decent starters, but can’t agree on any subs except Tupou. My take on the subs: Gibbon, Ueslese, Tupou, LSL, Wilson, White, Will Harrison, and Petaia.
7 Go to commentsSBW the biggest moron to pull on a black jersey a park footy player at best
9 Go to commentsSBW is fast becoming a laughing stock, his misplaced comments & lack of insight Is actually pretty sad.
9 Go to commentsJust well you guys are couch 🛋 potatoes selector's, picking a team of greenhorns to play England! “What are you people smoking?” The halfbacks will be Christie, Fakatava, Perenara Props; Newell, Bower, Lomax, Tunga'fasi, Hookers; Asosa Amua when fit, Taylor, Samisoni,
14 Go to commentsQuite frankly, all this is a bit pathetic. The first time Wales get the Wooden Spoon in 21 years and everyone is on the bandwagon for a ‘play-off’ game. Wales have no obligation to Georgia and no obligation to the rest of the Six Nations to play such a game. If they want Georgia in so badly then they need to include South Africa into a Northern Hemisphere competition with 2 leagues of 4 teams with the top 2 competing for the Championship. Sadly, this will end Triple Crowns and Grand Slams forever. Is this really what you want?
4 Go to commentsI think Finau to start Blackadder to come on. Poss Prokter instead of Ioane, haven't seen much from Reiko so far this year.
14 Go to commentsJoe will have had a good chat with Dave Rennie, a smart move to begin with while it’s doubtful Fast Eddie will be consulted? Plenty of Aus players hitting top form so they should go OK.
7 Go to commentsMmm. Not sure I like this article or see it as necessary.
9 Go to commentsBlackadder but no Finau! 😀 It’s Razor so you are probably right, plus Taylor at 2…
14 Go to commentsThe strongest possible AB side would actually include Aaron Smith, Bodie Retallick, Sam Whitelock, Leicester Fainga'anuku, Shannon Frizzel.. don’t get me started on the rest of the injury hit brigade that got flung on the heap so left. Many a whole not getting filled as of yet.
14 Go to comments