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Scott Robertson remains coy on next All Blacks captain
Incoming All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson is excited to write the next chapter of the ‘legacy’ as he prepares to take over from departing coach Ian Foster but hasn’t decided who will captain the side yet.
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Robertson has installed a new coaching and backroom staff, with only forwards coach Jason Ryan and strength and conditioning coach Nic Gill remaining from Foster’s group.
One hallmark of Foster’s tenure was the captaincy of Sam Cane which remains an uncertainty heading into the Robertson era. The Chiefs openside took over the captaincy from former No 8 Kieran Read in 2020.
Despite being contracted with NZR until the end of 2025, the 31-year-old is taking a playing sabbatical with Tokyo Sungoliath in the Japan Rugby League One, meaning he will not be playing in Super Rugby in New Zealand in 2024.
Robertson remained coy on the matter in a wide-ranging interview with Stuff.co.nz, advising he wants to allow for ‘breathing room’ following the Rugby World Cup final.
“I am trying to give a little bit of a runway post-World Cup before I start having conversations around captains,” Robertson told Stuff.
“I think it is important – around respect. I have talked to all the senior All Blacks, I have spent around an hour, or two, chatting around what they learned from the World Cup.
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“I am starting to build an understanding, and what they think is really important is what they want to protect.
“But what do we need to evolve, on and off the field? They have had time to reflect, and they have been honest, which has been great.”
Cane is not the only captaincy candidate who will miss the Super Rugby Pacific campaign, with newly-crowned World Player of the Year and vice-captain Ardie Savea also taking a sabbatical with the Kolbeco Kobe Steelers.
Both will return to New Zealand in time for the All Blacks two Tests with England, Robertson’s first challenge as All Blacks head coach.
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One of the favourites to take over the job is Crusaders lock Scott Barrett who Robertson entrusted with the captaincy duties in 2023 for the Crusaders.
Barrett is a guaranteed starter when healthy now that veteran pair Sam Whitelock and Brodie Retallick have moved on. At 30 years old, he is expected to make it through to the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
News that Scott’s brother Beauden may be available should he ink a new deal with NZR was received positively by Robertson but there were no guarantees.
His form in the Japan league would matter when considering his Test selection in 2024.
“Look, the guys who have played in Japan have come back and played good rugby. He’s hugely experienced, and it doesn’t matter where you are, you have to play well,” Robertson said.
“That’s what All Blacks do. That was the message to him. Play well, we will watch you from afar, we will give you feedback and keep connected.”
Comments on RugbyPass
Kinda strange that he wasn’t with a premiership team or a higher level of rugby? Start playing late or something? With that kind of size and athleticism you’d think someone would have picked him up?
2 Go to commentsShows how much attitude matters. Last week the Brumbies got done, this week they dominated the tournament leaders, who were likely thinking they could cruise to victory.
4 Go to commentsA Turtle has more pace and leg drive than Owen Franks, so it’s a good thing he only had to run 90 metres for that try.
2 Go to commentsOh Tamati Tua was in the vastly over-rated Leon MacDonalds Blues system? Well, no wonder he was wasted, much like Emoni Narawa and Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens under MacDonald. now look at them. Good thing Tua isn’t eligible, the Aussies latch on to any player who isn’t tied down.
4 Go to commentsMark Telea is a lot of things, but a defensive juggernaut has never been one of them. There will be far bigger tests in that regard for the youngster.
10 Go to commentsLove and respect to Fiji but not a chance outside of 7s
4 Go to commentsGood summation Ned. Agree the Canes were out-muscled for once (except at the scrum!) by a focused Brumbies outfit. Tua deserves consideration for higher honors after the way he humbled Jordie and the Canes defense. Thankfully, his lack of eligibility for Oz keeps him from Joe’s plans. While I also agree the injuries affected the Canes performance, some players seemed to lack focus and intensity for this match. Perhaps after the Blues demolished the Brumbies, they thought it was going to be easy? A good reminder that any slip up in preparation can have a big affect on the result. Brumbies deserved that win.
4 Go to commentsKarl Dixon should never have been appointed this fixture, absolute disgrace, He’s not much of a referee anyway, didn't have the balls to send his mate care off
5 Go to commentsBrilliant article! Harry of 8/9
2 Go to comments‘UK athletes' have been in the NFL from the start.
2 Go to commentsIt’s going to be Scott Barrett. He’s the coaches mate and captain of a previously elite team. Ardie a great option but scooter has worked with the coach and Ardie still as big a leader as needed.
23 Go to commentsI commend Colin Scotts bio All Balls. He was the first Aussie to make it to NFL. But he was poached and did a full apprenticeship at the University of Hawaii. He was 130kgs surfed played 1st grade cricket etc. big guy by normal but not NFL standards and a top athlete. Even then the nfl were picking up Tongans and Samoans for their natural size and explosive power. They want explosive power not cardio from the big boys so a guy like Taniela Tupou would have been good if picked up young enough. He has fast twitch and they’d bulk the little lad up and give him something to do. soccer teams set up academies and look for Over Sara’s talent eg Messi was at Barcelona since a teenager and harry kewell went to Leeds as a teenager like 16 or something.
11 Go to commentsThe article alludes to the fact that this isn’t about picking a captain. But picking a great captain. So who would make for a great All Black captain - not just an obvious or safe shoo-in? I’m not sure Ardie’s the guy and Barret doesn’t stand out either.
23 Go to commentsI guess we may all agree on the fact, that the ABs and Boks are the two in contest for No 1 in rugby history (the triple-A sort of) …. the Wallabies, England and France are the next tier, with Ireland being the new kid in town (AA) …. in my view it makes little sense creating imaginary competitions (unless you have too much time to waste)
45 Go to commentsWhat 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.
5 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.
45 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 comments