S ea change in the form of Scott Robertson’s eccentric new era will soon envelope the All Blacks. Just as the pre-World Cup timing of his national head coaching anointment shatters long-standing New Zealand rugby tradition, so too does Robertson’s promise to break the mould when he assumes charge seven months from now.
Nothing in the combative rugby union arena is ever given or guaranteed. Robertson, known as Razor for his try-scoring celebrations, knows this notion well from his playing days as a loose forward who savoured 23 Tests for the All Blacks.
Off the field, Robertson’s highly successful coaching transition from Sumner, the seaside grassroots Christchurch club, to Canterbury and the Crusaders, charts a similar script.
Twice passed over for the All Blacks head coaching role in the last four years, first following the 2019 World Cup semi-final defeat and again when incumbent coach Ian Foster saved his job with an upset triumph at Ellis Park last August, Robertson has been forced to be patient.