Scott Robertson tipped for shock move after All Blacks sacking

Robertson's demise came after he reportedly faced intense criticism from senior players during an internal review. Among them was star back row and former captain Ardie Savea, who was reportedly willing to remain with his Japanese club, the Kobe Steelers, or even move to Europe and forgo a year of All Blacks rugby if Robertson stayed in charge.

Assistant coach Scott Hansen was also said to have been strongly criticised, as leading players delivered scathing assessments of the team’s environment and culture. This damaging feedback was recently presented to New Zealand Rugby, placing chairman David Kirk under significant pressure to act quickly.

Harlequins are still searching for a permanent head coach after Danny Wilson’s departure just before the start of the Prem season, which saw Jason Gilmore step in on an interim basis. Wilson left the club to join Wales as part of Steve Tandy’s coaching staff.

The 50-year-old, who worked as forwards coach during Wales’ summer tour of Japan, has now taken on a permanent role, having previously coached Wales Under-20s and served as Scotland assistant between 2018 and 2020. As Tandy’s first appointment, Wilson will oversee the line-out and contact areas.

Results under Gilmore have been disappointing. Harlequins have leaked points this season and currently sit eighth in the table, with just two wins from nine matches. The club is therefore actively seeking a long-term solution, and The Times suggests Robertson is high on their list of potential candidates.

Robertson may well be tempted. A change of scenery from New Zealand and a chance to revitalise a struggling club could be the perfect job for him after the All Blacks debacle. It is unsurprising that Quins are interested, given that his results as a club coach were incredibly impressive before he took over the national team.

During his tenure with the Crusaders, he won all seven finals he contested and compiled an outstanding record of 98 wins, 17 defeats and two draws from 117 matches, making him the most successful coach in Super Rugby history since the competition began.

With Rugby World Cup triumphs in 1987, 2011, and 2015—and as the first nation to ever retain the title—the All Blacks’ past is packed with iconic moments and unforgettable names.

Now it’s your turn: can you recognise these retro All Blacks players? Test your knowledge of the legends who shaped the black jersey.