URGENT UPDATE: All Blacks coach Scott Robertson has just denied any feud with Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt, amidst intensifying scrutiny following a humiliating 43-10 loss to South Africa in Wellington. The defeat marks the All Blacks’ largest margin of loss in history and raises serious questions about Robertson’s future as head coach.
The pressure is mounting on Robertson as New Zealand Rugby (NZR) weighs the implications of a poor performance in the ongoing Rugby Championship. This latest defeat follows another setback—a historic loss to Argentina, marking the first time New Zealand has dropped a match there. With a crucial match against the Wallabies scheduled for Saturday at Eden Park, Robertson is under fire, especially with the potential loss of the Bledisloe Cup looming, a title they have held since 2002.
In a candid moment, Schmidt, previously an assistant to former All Blacks coach Ian Foster, shared his thoughts on Robertson’s push for the head coach position in 2022. Schmidt revealed, “A big part of it was about integrity. The pressure that was being exerted was contributed to by not just New Zealand Rugby, but people aiming up at ‘Fozzie’ [Foster].” These comments have added fuel to speculation regarding a strained relationship between the two coaches.
Schmidt, who has since accepted the Wallabies coaching role, turned down an offer to join Robertson’s team, further complicating the narrative ahead of this weekend’s clash. As the All Blacks aim to restore pride on the field, fans and officials alike are watching closely, with NZR chair David Kirk emphasizing that continued losses could jeopardize Robertson’s position.
The stakes have never been higher as the All Blacks look to rebound from their recent performances. With the Rugby World Cup approaching, every match counts, and the upcoming showdown against the Wallabies has become a pivotal moment for Robertson and his coaching staff.
Stay tuned for the latest developments as this story unfolds. Will the All Blacks reclaim their dominance, or will the pressure prove too great?
