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'Best that I say nothing': Scott Robertson coy over All Blacks future

(Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)

Crusaders coach Scott Robertson made international headlines earlier this year after dropping an All Blacks coaching bombshell ahead of this year’s Super Rugby Pacific campaign.

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Following months of speculation and discussion, a smiling Robertson told reporters that New Zealand Rugby would make an announcement “in the next few days.”

The international rugby rumour mill was sent into overdrive on that Wednesday morning – only for the “next few days” to come and go without change.

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Instead, more than a month later, similar rumours continue to persist.

Six-time Super Rugby winning coach Robertson is believed to be among the frontrunners for the position, along with Japan boss Jamie Joseph.

But Robertson has changed his approach to the relentless questions surrounding his future, insisting that “it’s best” that he says “nothing.”

“All those questions go back to NZR, about timing and process,” Robertson told reporters.

“You can ask me the question, but it’s really aligned and aimed at them.

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“Anything around the NZR stuff, it’s best that I say nothing.

“Do I still want the job? Yeah, nothing’s changed on my behalf.

“But anything to do with the process, anything to do with announcements or other people’s decision is for NZR to answer.”

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After winning six titles in as many years with the Crusaders, Robertson’s team have begun their 2023 with an uncharacteristically poor run of form.

The Crusaders started their campaign with a disastrous 31-10 loss at home to the Chiefs, before bouncing back with win over the Highlanders in Super Round.

But an historic 25-24 loss to the Fijian Drua on Saturday has seen the defending champions fall to eighth on the ladder after three rounds.

Nobody saw this coming. The title holders had been stunned.

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But Robertson hasn’t begun to point fingers and blame the constant murmurs surrounding his future. Instead, the 48-year-old said that his “main focus” at the moment is the Crusaders.

“I’m really experienced, I’ve been around for a long time, understand the game, have been there and done it before,” Robertson added.

“I’ve got a job here to do, and that’s my main focus. Whatever happens on the side, I’ll front up for that as well.”

Following a slow start to the season, the Crusaders face a tough challenge against the Blues in Auckland on Saturday.

The clash is a rematch of last year’s Super Rugby Pacific final at Eden Park, which Robertson’s Crusaders won.

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1 Comment
A
Andrew 740 days ago

Probably wise to say nothing. Just gives the Tall Poppy folks ammo

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reginaldgarcia 24 minutes ago
Crusaders rookie earns 'other than Dupont' praise from All Blacks star

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JW 1 hour ago
Kyren Taumoefolau All Blacks stance splits opinions on eligibility

MP are a NZ side through and through, NZ is even having to pay for it.

Yes they caved to public demand, I bet it accomplished a lot of internal goals. They could have left it to the other groups, but I’m of the belief that they weren’t showing the capability to make it work as being a good reason for NZR to jump in and do it. I think it’s actually funded 50/50 between NZR and WR though.

(when nothing was stopping a pi player playing for any side in Super Rugby)

Neither is that fact true. Only 3 non NZ players are allowed in each squad.


I see you also need to learn what the term poach means - take or acquire in an unfair or clandestine way. - Moana have more slots for non eligible players (and you have seen many return to an NZ franchise) so players are largely making their own choice without any outside coercion ala Julian Savea.

Not one of these Kiwis and Aussies would go live in the Islands to satisfy any criteria, and I’d say most of them have hardly ever set foot in the islands, outside of a holiday.

Another inaccurate statement. Take Mo’unga’s nephew Armstrong-Ravula, if he is not eligible via ancestry in a couple of generations time, he will be eligible because he plays his rugby there (even if he’s only their for rugby and not living there), that is a recent change made by World Rugby to better reflect examples like Fabian Holland and Fakatava.

It’s becoming the jump-ship/zero loyalty joke that international League is.

Look I understand you’re reason to cry and make an example at any opportunity, but you don’t really need to anymore, other recent changes made by WR are basically going to stop the Ireland situation, and time (perhaps no more than a decade) will fix the rest.

26 Go to comments
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