1
Scott Robertson urges NZR to ‘keep an open mind’ about eligibility rules
New All Blacks coach Scott Robertson has urged New Zealand Rugby to “keep an open mind” about potentially reconsidering their eligibility rules so that overseas players could play Test rugby.
ADVERTISEMENT
Robertson rose to fan favourite status as a coach in New Zealand after leading the Crusaders to seven Super Rugby titles in as many years, and he celebrated with an iconic breakdance every single time too.
While the Crusaders’ dynastic period of success should justifiably reflect positively on the rugby genius that ‘Razor’ possesses, it was far from a one-man operation.
Flyhalf Richie Mo’unga might have elevated himself into the ‘greatest of all time’ debate within Super Rugby after starring in the legendary Crusaders No. 10 jersey during this period.
Mo’unga, 29, took a while to replicate that form within the Test arena, but the playmaker seemed to hit his stride on the road to last year’s Rugby World Cup final at Stade de France.
But, at least for now, Mo’unga is ineligible to play for the All Blacks after inking a three-year deal with Toshiba Brave Lupus in Japan. It’s a big loss for New Zealand rugby, but that could change.
Speaking with reporters on Tuesday after assembling a squad of 22 players for a brief All Blacks camp, Robertson revealed how he wants NZR to stay “a step ahead.”
ADVERTISEMENT
“What I’ve talked and presented to the board, the CEOs of Super Rugby, the PUs (provincial unions), of Heartland… is around keeping an open mind in that space,” Robertson said.
“That’s what I’ve asked for.
“I’ve not asked, ‘Can I please have someone come and play for us?’. But keep an open mind (about) where the game is at the moment. It’s moving quite quickly, as we know.
“There’s a lot (going on) on and off field, with players and decisions and contracting.
“I want to be a step ahead of it, so keep an open mind.”
According to the current eligibility rules in New Zealand, players plying their trade for overseas clubs are not available to play for the All Blacks.
ADVERTISEMENT
Ardie Savea, Sam Cane and Beauden Barrett – who are all playing in Japan at the moment – are an exception as they have signed deals with NZR that will see them return to New Zealand.
But, in theory, the likes of Shannon Frizell, Aaron Smith, Brodie Retallick and even Ngani Laumape cannot be called upon by coach Robertson.
“I have got to get in front of a few people, have a few conversations, catch a few eyes, have some chats. I think it’s important we do that, respect for all options,” Robertson added.
“I just want to keep an open mind, so I can select the best players available for the All Blacks.”
Comments on RugbyPass
I 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)
43 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.
4 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.
43 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.
43 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.
4 Go to commentsLet’s not forget about Ardie Savea just yet.
6 Go to commentsThe URC and the Euro Championscup can’t run at the same time, basically dilutes both competitions.
2 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.
6 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 comments