Leon MacDonald steps down as All Blacks assistant coach due to “differing views” with head coach Scott Robertson, just before crucial Rugby Championship tests against South Africa.
Bollywood Fever: Leon MacDonald has abruptly resigned as assistant coach of the All Blacks, just before the team’s departure for two critical Rugby Championship tests in South Africa.
Head coach Scott Robertson cited “differing views” as the reason for MacDonald’s sudden exit, which was announced on Thursday.
MacDonald, who previously served as head coach of the Blues in Super Rugby and worked alongside Robertson at the Crusaders, made the decision after a series of “honest conversations” with Robertson.
“Leon and I have been having some honest conversations with each other for a little while now,” Robertson explained. “As coaches, we have differing views and both agreed it wasn’t working. Leon and I both care deeply about the All Blacks and we believe we’ve made a decision that’s best for this team.”
Robertson expressed his respect for MacDonald, acknowledging his contributions to the team’s progress.
“There’s a huge amount of respect and appreciation for Leon in the group and the work he’s put in to get us to this point in our journey. As a team, we have acknowledged that contribution and our focus now needs to be on South Africa. It’s going to be two tough test matches over there.”
While the exact nature of the differences between MacDonald and Robertson remains undisclosed, MacDonald’s departure marks the first significant rift in the extensive coaching team Robertson has assembled for New Zealand’s national squad.
The coaching staff includes Jason Holland, Jason Ryan, Scott Hansen, Tamati Ellison, and several others in ancillary roles.
“You’ve got two great coaches who have been having some robust but constructive discussions on the approach to drive the All Blacks over a period of time now,” said New Zealand Rugby’s head of professional rugby Chris Lendrum. “Ultimately, they have made a brave decision that they believe is best for the team.”
The All Blacks, under Robertson’s leadership, have faced criticism from former players and pundits, particularly regarding team selections, performance, and the size of the coaching setup.
Despite the challenges, the All Blacks have won four of their five tests so far under Robertson, including two mid-year tests against England and one against Fiji, while splitting a two-test series with Argentina in the Rugby Championship.
New Zealand is set to face World Cup champions South Africa in Johannesburg on August 31 and in Cape Town on September 7, as the Rugby Championship continues.
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