'Yes and no': Holland's departure not unexpected to Scott Robertson

Scott Robertson has reaffirmed that Jason Holland’s decision to leave the All Blacks is one made entirely on the assistant’s own terms, but the call wasn’t entirely unexpected.

The All Blacks will commence their search for a new assistant coach following the Autumn Nations Series, with the role of backs and strike play coach to become available with Holland’s impending departure.

Robertson addressed the media in Auckland on Thursday, saying there was no pressure from higher-ups at New Zealand Rugby for changes to the coaching group, nor were there any attack KPIs that had not been met.

Holland was labelled “a really good coach and a good friend”, with Robertson adding it will be hard to watch him leave the group.

“Full respect to Jason for the decision he’s made,” Robertson said. “It’s a tough one, and he spoke with a lot of care to the group, and from the heart, and he said that it’s his time and he’ll finish strong.

“It’s hard to hear. What he said is from his heart, and he’s made a decision, and we respect that.”

While the decision came as a surprise to fans, Robertson himself said he was aware that Holland’s departure was on the cards.

“Yes and no,” was the coach’s response when asked if the decision came as a surprise. “He’s a pretty reflective guy, and we always connect along the way. You have a discussion and you think about what’s best for you and your family.

“He took a couple more days, and then he came back to me and said, ‘This is the call that I’m going to make’, and you get on with it and you back him.”

The coaching group decided that making the announcement before the team left for Chicago on Friday was the best timing, and would wait until after the coming tour to find Holland’s replacement.

Robertson said the news was too “new” to look ahead to a new appointment.

“We’ve just been focusing on the Northern Tour, the grand slam, and what’s ahead of us. So, we haven’t gone down that track yet.”

Holland is the second attack coach to leave the team under Robertson, following Leon MacDonald, who parted ways with the group just five games into his tenure. Robertson wasn’t going to draw parallels between the two exits.

“Look, you want the best for everyone, don’t you? We’re in a professional environment, in a team where performance is paramount. He’s made a call on his coaching position; every circumstance is different.”

The coach signed off by insisting the call would come as no distraction to the group, and the team will be eager to send Holland off on a high note.

“There’s no hesitation around the coaching side of it, we’ll get on with the job. There’s nothing around the performance side of it; it’s just the decision that’s been made.

“It’s an exciting month ahead of us, and it’s a great way to send Alfie (Holland) off with some good performances.”