The All Blacks coaching hot seat is heating up, and even rivals are weighing in! It's been a whirlwind of speculation surrounding who will step into the prestigious role of All Blacks head coach, following the unexpected departure of Scott Robertson. But here's where it gets interesting: Rassie Erasmus, the Springboks' formidable boss, has shared his thoughts on the matter, and he believes the next man in charge is set for success on the international stage.
For weeks, rugby circles have been buzzing after New Zealand Rugby (NZR) decided to part ways with Robertson in mid-January. This decision came after a thorough review of the 2025 season, led by NZR chairman David Kirk. It marked the end of Robertson's tenure, who had taken the helm from Ian Foster after the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France.
The review itself was a comprehensive undertaking, involving not just Kirk but also former All Blacks hooker and NZR board member Keven Mealamu, alongside ex-NZR high-performance manager Don Tricker. Now, a dedicated five-man appointment panel has been assembled to find Robertson's successor. This panel includes Kirk, Mealamu, Tricker, interim CEO Steve Lancaster, and another former All Blacks hooker, Dane Coles. Their crucial task is to present their preferred candidate to the NZR board.
And this is the part most people miss: The race for the All Blacks' top coaching job has seemingly narrowed down to a two-horse race. All indications point towards a showdown between Highlanders boss Jamie Joseph and Kobelco Kobe Steelers head coach Dave Rennie. NZR has set some pretty clear guidelines, stipulating that the new coach must be a New Zealander and possess international head coaching experience. Joseph certainly fits the bill, having guided Japan from 2016 to 2023, while Rennie led Australia from 2020 to 2023.
Rassie Erasmus, having faced both Joseph and Rennie at various levels, expressed confidence in their abilities to thrive if given the chance to lead the All Blacks. He specifically highlighted Rennie's distinctive approach to game preparation, suggesting it could be a fascinating asset at the Test level. Erasmus recalled Rennie's time with the Chiefs and his intense, perhaps even ruthless, dedication to getting his teams ready for match day. He mused, "I think they called it Rennie’s Time, where they had contact on a Thursday prior to matches. Can you do that in the international squad? I think you can."
When it comes to Jamie Joseph, Erasmus spoke with admiration for his work ethic and the positive environment he fosters. He noted, "if you go (on) aura and Dave Rennie might give me a klap (smack) if I say this, but if you take the coaches in the world and he (Joseph) walks into a room, I’m talking about him, where he’s played and what he’s done, how hard he’s always worked, all the coaches that have worked with him say he works unbelievably hard, players say they feel comfortable under him."
Tony Brown, who has worked closely with both Rennie and Joseph, echoed Erasmus's sentiments. He admitted to being surprised by Robertson's dismissal, stating, "Obviously, as it played out, it was very surprising that New Zealand Rugby made a change. They obviously felt that it was required."
But here's a point that might spark some debate: While both Joseph and Rennie are acknowledged as top-tier coaches, the decision to replace a coach like Scott Robertson, who had recently taken the team to a World Cup final, raises questions. Was this a necessary evolution, or a premature move? What do you think? Should coaching changes be made so swiftly after major tournaments, or is consistency key? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
