Scott Robertson mentioned assistant coach Leon MacDonald left his employees on the eve of New Zealand’s Rugby Championship Assessments in South Africa resulting from a conflict of teaching types.
Robertson and MacDonald mutually agreed to half methods after discussions about their working strategy, New Zealand Rugby mentioned on Thursday.
“Leon and I’ve been having some trustworthy conversations with one another for a short while now. As coaches, we have now differing views and each agreed it wasn’t working,” Robertson mentioned in a press release.
MacDonald left after simply 5 video games underneath Robertson, who took cost of the All Blacks this 12 months following erratic outcomes underneath predecessor Ian Foster.
Robertson instructed reporters in Auckland that the variations shortly grew to become apparent to each events.
“Over the time frame since we began teaching collectively, we simply really feel prefer it hasn’t fairly clicked,” Robertson added. “We haven’t lined up the place we have to on the rugby facet of it.”
The All Blacks boss mentioned the pair differed on their “philosophy on rugby”, however refused to reveal particulars of the break up.
“There was no intent to get to the purpose the place we are actually, however we simply imagine for each of us, as for the All Blacks group, is to make the decision now.
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Thanks to Leon MacDonald for all he has contributed as All Blacks Assistant Coach. Leon has introduced he has determined to depart the All Blacks teaching group forward of the 2 Take a look at matches in South Africa. He departs with the respect and finest needs of us all. 🖤 pic.twitter.com/CmzJ6MEhZ3
— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) August 22, 2024
“We by no means thought it will get thus far, nevertheless it has.”
Robertson mentioned he mentioned the matter with the gamers after the choice was made.
New Zealand’s tour of South Africa would be the first time the groups have met for the reason that Springboks beat the All Blacks 12-11 in final 12 months’s World Cup ultimate, Foster’s ultimate sport in cost.
MacDonald leaves the All Blacks as they put together to fly to South Africa for Assessments in opposition to the world champions in Johannesburg on 31 August and Cape City on 7 September.
“Leon’s a superb man and a superb coach. Generally issues simply don’t click on,” Robertson added.
“There’s an enormous quantity of respect and appreciation for Leon within the group and the work he’s put in to get us thus far in our journey.
“As a staff we have now acknowledged that contribution and our focus now must be on South Africa, it’s going to be two robust Take a look at matches over there.”
MacDonald’s duties will probably be taken over by assistant coach Scott Hansen and get in touch with expertise coach Tamati Ellison, NZR mentioned.
Defending champions, New Zealand are second within the Rugby Championship desk behind South Africa.
The All Blacks loved a win and suffered a shock defeat to Argentina in two latest dwelling Assessments in opposition to Los Pumas. South Africa are unbeaten after back-to-back away wins in opposition to Australia.
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Picture: Joe Allison/Getty Photos
