Next New Zealand coach "banned" from All Blacks games at Rugby World Cup
Scott Robertson, the incoming New Zealand coach, has been banned from watching their games at the Rugby World Cup, according to former All Black Justin Marshall.
Ian Foster knows that his time is almost up with an announcement already being made on Robertson, who left the Crusaders to become the country's head coach after the tournament in France. Robertson has been one of the most in-demand managers in the sport following his successful club spell.
New Zealand are looking to regain their World Cup crown, having won it back-to-back in 2011 and 2015. They've won three of their four games having lost to France in their opener. Robertson is currently at the World Cup but has apparently been told to stay away from All Black games amid concerns he could be a distraction.
Marshall told South African broadcaster Supersport: “Can I tell you something really interesting – Scott Robertson has been here in France. You would have seen him. He’s been floating around. [But] he’s not allowed to be at All Blacks games. They feel he’s too big a distraction to the current players. All of a sudden they might want to chat to him or might want to impress him, so Ian Foster said to him...he’s not being allowed at All Blacks games.”
Foster has previously aired his frustration at the process which saw him replaced after four years in the job. He opted against applying for the role when the country's chiefs considered their next move, with Robertson, the leading candidate, winning the race.
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He previously told NZME: “I have sat back and looked at a whole lot of views that have been put out there. Some have been frustrating to hear and a particular frustration is that there seems to be a focus on setting timetables based on what some preferred candidates feel is right for them versus potentially what is right for this All Blacks team."
Scott Robertson has been asked to steer clear of New Zealand's gamesRobertson has won Super Rugby with the Crusaders every year since he was appointed back in 2017, leading the Christchurch outfit to an incredibly emotional victory over the Chiefs back in June. He had been linked with the England role before landing the New Zealand job.
The All Blacks will be looking to keep their World Cup dream alive on Saturday night when they take on Ireland in Paris. The Irish have enjoyed the upper hand over New Zealand in recent years, claiming a first ever series win down in the Southern Hemisphere last summer.
Foster has said on the challenge that awaits: "The only thing that matters is how you play on the night and we’ve been preparing well for the last month, we’re ready to go and I’m sure they have too. We know the size of the challenge and how good Ireland are. They deserve all the plaudits they get but play-off rugby is about who is best on the day."
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