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Scott Robertson breaks his silence after losing out on All Blacks coaching job
By Online Editors
Scott Robertson has opened up on the "natural disappointment" of missing out on the All Blacks head coaching role but shrugged off suggestions he would immediately look for work overseas.
The Crusaders head coach was among the finalists for the All Blacks job after the departure of Steve Hansen following the 2019 World Cup campaign but was overlooked in favour of Hansen's long-time assistant Ian Foster.
"There's always a natural process as a human, there's a natural disappointment because I've put everything into it," Robertson said of his unsuccessful campaign for the All Blacks role.
"They think they have the best man for the job and, look, through the process, I did everything I possibly could; they got who I was and how I would have loved to have led the All Blacks and they were clear with my vision and how we were going to do it, but it wasn't to be.
"It's been a good four months, hasn't it? It feels like it's been an election in its own way. I prepared well, everyone understands what I've done with my record… I had a great two and a half hours in front of the board and it went another way.
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"I flicked a text (to Foster) to say congratulations to him. It's been a big few months and obviously it's nothing personal, he's in a position like me and wants to do the best for himself and the country.”
The 45-year-old Robertson has amassed an impressive record as head coach, with a winning percentage above 80 per cent during his time at the helm of Canterbury and the Crusaders. Since taking over at the Crusaders for the 2017 season, the club has won 48 times and lost just five matches.
After the announcement of Foster's appointment was made on Wednesday, many commented that Robertson would be lost to New Zealand Rugby as another national system would pounce on the opportunity to lure him away. However, with two years remaining on his contract, Robertson brushed those suggestions aside.
"I'm coaching the team I love, where I've had a lot of great moments as a player and now as a coach, I've got a lot of special bonds and a chance to do something pretty special," he said.
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Latest Comments
That is a matter of players style of play. Will Jordan's strength is his running . He has been absolutely deadly for the the Crusaders in that position. Especially in years 2021-23. Foster subsequently then Razor put him on the wing. Scored heaps of tries, but as he showed in one test against Australia this year , he scored a try running from the back, that was amazing. That was after Robertson finally put him at 15 because Beauden was injured. Thankfully there Will remained. Speaking of Beauden and kicking. He kicks too much, waywardly as well. Handing the ball back to the opposition. He is an impact player at best.
Go to commentsYet Ethan Blackadder was one of our best against the World Champion Springbok. When he came back to the Crusaders later in the season , he made a huge difference, ( a long with others like Codie Taylor), we nearly made the Play Off's. Ethan has plenty of rugby left in him. His family , Dad Todd Blackadder must be very [proud of him. Todd Blackadder was a 3 time champion captain of the Crusaders, '98, '99 and 2000.An icon in this area. Also twice captain of Canterbury , '97 and 2001 when we won the NPC and Ranfurly Shield winning captain in 2000.
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