Scott Robertson officially assumed the role of All Blacks coach on November 1, succeeding Ian Foster, and has been diligently working on various aspects of his new position. The seven-time Super Rugby champion has been actively finalizing his coaching staff, unveiling assistant coaches and making other key appointments.
Prior to taking over the All Blacks, Robertson spent time in France to witness the Rugby World Cup and assisted Eddie Jones’ Barbarians team, which bid farewell to the legendary Alun Wyn Jones in a match against Wales. Now, with his focus squarely on the All Blacks, Robertson acknowledges the challenges ahead, including managing the departure of veteran talent and transitioning to coaching at the international level.
In an interview with New Zealand’s AM show, Robertson highlighted his coaching philosophy, emphasizing the importance of adapting to the unique dynamics of test matches. He spoke about the need to bring players together quickly, creating a strong narrative and connection within the team.
Known for his storytelling approach, Robertson expressed excitement about shaping narratives for each campaign to provide his team with a distinct identity. Despite losing experienced players like Sam Whitelock, Aaron Smith, Brodie Retallick, and Richie Mo’unga in 2024, Robertson believes in the potential of nurturing talent and providing opportunities for emerging players.
Acknowledging the irreplaceability of experience, Robertson emphasized the art of coaching in guiding and developing new talent. With the weight of high expectations, he has been conducting numerous interviews to assemble a capable coaching crew for the All Blacks’ next World Cup cycle.
Looking forward, Robertson plans to travel around the country, engaging with local rugby communities to gather insights and perspectives on advancing the game. He aims to connect with individuals within and outside the team, extracting valuable information to shape the future direction of the All Blacks.
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