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Jason Holland confirms ‘discussions’ surrounding All Blacks coaching set-up
By Finn Morton
Hurricanes coach Jason Holland has confirmed that there have been “a few discussions” about his potential involvement in Scott Robertson’s All Blacks from next year.
New Zealand Rugby announced last month that Robertson would replace Ian Foster in the All Blacks’ hot seat on a four-year deal, although there was no word on who his assistants would be.
Blues boss Leon MacDonald has been linked with a position within the new-look All Blacks coaching setup, as has Canes coach Jason Holland.
While Holland has previously dismissed reports of a national callup, the 50-year-old revealed some significant news ahead of the Hurricanes’ crunch clash with the undefeated Chiefs.
“All focus was on the Super Rugby, as it still is but yeah look, there’s a few discussions going on in the background there now,” Holland said on SENZ Mornings.
“Nothing’s confirmed at all.
“We’re just sort of trying to work through what the options (are) going forward.
“So yeah, we’ve had a chat but there’s nothing more to report than that.”
The Hurricanes are first on the Super Rugby Pacific ladder at the moment, but will need to avoid a loss in round eight to remain at the helm.
Holland’s Canes have only lost one match this season, and that was against the Blues at Sky Stadium.
Other than that, the team from the capital have been sensational – and have been led by Cam Roigard who continues to enjoy a breakout season in the No. 9 jersey.
But former All Blacks backrower Steven Bates has described the Canes as the “underdogs” ahead of their top-of-the-table clash against the Chiefs.
“I do believe they’ve got a hell of a challenge this week in the Chiefs,” Bates told Sky Sport NZ’s The Breakdown.
“The Chiefs are the form team… but what I will say about the Canes is I believe they will quite like that.
“They’ll go into the game this weekend as underdogs even though they are top of the table.
“I think they like that edge about what they are doing, that little chip on the shoulder.”
Holland’s Hurricanes take on the Chiefs on Saturday afternoon at Sky Stadium, Wellington.
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Latest Comments
Agreed. A very good comparison. On the day they can beat anyone.
You can never be sure which team is pitching up until the whistle blows.
I think Contemponi is a fabulous coach.
Go to commentsUmm - really?
He goes on to say that they just need to deal with the Bok scrums, lineouts and territorial game. Those are not one or two little things ...
Besides, I suspect Tony Brown would like to see his new attacking philosophy clicking against Wales. That involves a lot more than set pieces and kicking. And Gatland might want to be ready for it.
For me the big question is whether the Boks retain their shape and intensity, regardless of the scoreline. If they do that then it could be a cricket score.
But there have been times this year when we have seen them get into a kind of error strewn, shelter shelter, hot potato mode on attack. Hope we don't see that, because it is silly and ineffective. Also boring.
I would love to see the new Bok plan in full flight. But, sadly, my expectation is that we will be another England-like post-game interview, with Rassie "taking the win" but declaring that they did not play the way they intended to.
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