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Middle East conflict impacts Italy vs England Six Nations clash
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Springboks fans are saying the same thing after Scott Robertson exit
By Josh Raisey
New Zealand Rugby’s decision to part ways with All Blacks coach Scott Robertson has sent shockwaves across the rugby world.
Be it ramifications for the World Cup next year, clubs now linked with the coach or coaches now in contention to lead the All Blacks, there are few competitions in the world that aren’t in some way impacted by this news.
One team that could be affected are South Africa, with Springboks attack coach Tony Brown being widely discussed as a candidate to join a new-look All Blacks coaching team, particularly if Jamie Joseph should take the head coach role, who worked with Brown at the Highlanders and with Japan.
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Robertson’s departure has certainly left Springbok fans nervous on social media, with many expecting New Zealand Rugby to attempt to lure the 18-cap All Black out of his contract and away from Rassie Erasmus’ coaching team.
While many Bok fans are expecting the All Blacks to make a move for Brown, there is a divide online in how they expect him to respond.
There is a contingent of fans that are confident Brown will stay in his role, having revolutionised the Springbok attack since arriving after the 2023 World Cup triumph. One fan wrote on X: “So you’re expecting Tony Brown to leave his current comfy and super successful role with the best coach in the world mid contract, to go be assistant AGAIN at the same employers who ignored him when he was there available?”
Another wrote: “It would be such a fall from grace for Tony Brown. The Springboks already have one hand on the 2027 World Cup. The All Blacks don’t even have a pinky on it, they just haven’t been good enough with the current guys they have. Not enough world class quality.”
Another wrote: “Those who are saying Tony Brown in for the All Blacks why would he leave the Springboks where he essentially has 2 teams of players good enough to challenge for WC. All blacks struggling at Lock & 10. No clear backup at 9 & no top option on other wing to Caleb Clarke.”
Though the bulk of Bok fans seem confident that Brown will see out his contract with South Africa until after the 2027 World Cup, there are also many that have adopted a more pragmatic and philosophical outlook, accepting that it will be his ultimate desire to coach the All Blacks.
One fan wrote: “Even if there is clause, SA Rugby would be foolish to enforce it if he wants to go, which would be completely understandable. If we force him to stay when he doesn’t want to, despondency & resentment will kick in, & that becomes toxic throughout. Rather be gracious & let him go!”
Another said: “I don’t want us to lose him, but if he gets or takes the job we have to respect it. He is a New Zealander and an AB after all. Home is where the heart is.”
Whether they expect him to go or stay, the majority of South Africa fans agree on one thing: the All Blacks will be eyeing Tony Brown.
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