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An Irish rugby pundit says Scott Robertson’s exit from the All Blacks coaching role debunks the idea that New Zealand’s top coaches will come from “within the system” with a solid history of Super Rugby success.

Gerry Thornley, writing in the Irish Times, also said the decision by New Zealand Rugby (NZR) to change the coach would “further damage much of the perceived wisdom around the roles of international head coaches and four-year World Cup cycles”.

Robertson was stood down last week after a two-year run of inconsistent performances.

Thornley noted the apparent change in NZR’s philosophy, pointing out that Robertson’s predecessor Ian Foster survived calls for him to go in 2022 after the disastrous home-series defeat to Ireland. He cited the Herald’s coverage at the time as indicative of public sentiment on these shores.

“Foster’s face adorned the front page of the Herald in a manner more befitting a wanted man, or at any rate public enemy number one.”

“The clamour for his head on a platter seemed much more intense than for Robertson’s removal at the end of the All Blacks’ end-of-year tour. Yet the NZR opted to stick rather than twist, partly due to a delegation of leading players who back [Foster] it is believed, albeit with the key appointment of Joe Schmidt as an assistant coach.”

Former All Blacks coach Scott Robertson. Photo / Photosport

NZR’s decision to move Robertson aside came after what is understood to have been highly critical player feedback in an end-of-year review.

“So, this time,” Thornley wrote. “In very un-NZRU [sic] fashion, they opted to twist.”

He also suggested NZR would likely be more open to offshore-based candidates in its search for a replacement.

“Robertson’s departure also debunks the long-held opinion in New Zealand rugby that the head coach be appointed from within the system. He had, after all, led the Crusaders to seven successive Super Rugby titles [including the Covid-era New Zealand-only crowns].”

NZR chair David Kirk said the search for a new coach has already begun. Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph has emerged as the front-runner for the role.

Joseph is set to coach the Highlanders in the upcoming Super Rugby Pacific season, with their first pre-season game scheduled for January 30.

Former Chiefs coach Clayton McMillan has ruled himself out of joining the All Blacks coaching ranks, insisting he’s committed to his current club, Munster.

Robertson leaves the role with 20 wins from 27 tests, a 74% success rate, having taken over from Foster after the 2023 Rugby World Cup.