New All Blacks Boss Unveils Coaching Model and Insights into Selection Process
In a revealing interview, newly appointed All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson has provided an intriguing glimpse into the team’s coaching structure and the decision-making behind their squad selections.
One of the standout omissions from the 32-man group was the Blues’ impressive number eight, Hoskins Sotutu, who had a stunning season in Super Rugby Pacific. Despite equalling the record for tries scored by a forward in a single Super Rugby campaign, Sotutu failed to secure a spot in the squad for the upcoming July Tests.
Robertson explained the robust selection process, where each specialist coach is responsible for picking players in their designated areas of expertise:
“The way I set up my coaching groups is to ask them to select the area that they coach. Me: loose forwards. Jason Ryan: tight five. Scott Hansen: nine and 10. Jason Holland is midfield and Leon’s (MacDonald) the outside backs.”
These coaches, having “tracked all the players and given them feedback throughout the season,” then present their selections and rationale to the head coach, who has the final say:
“They’ve built a relationship with those players. And their job is to go through our selection model and explain why they’ve selected those players. In the end, I have the final call, but it makes it robust.”
This collaborative approach ensures “ownership and accountability” within the coaching staff.
Alongside the selection process, the new All Blacks setup is also revamping the team’s playing style, which will be “completely different” from the approach seen under previous head coach Ian Foster. Attack guru Leon MacDonald revealed that the coaching staff “ripped up the playbook and started fresh,” drawing inspiration from various rugby projects to develop a game plan that “suits our players and the way we want to play the game at international level.”
However, MacDonald emphasizes the need for a gradual implementation, acknowledging that “we can’t be too left-field” and that “some familiarity is good.” The focus will be on building cohesion and delivering the essential information in the initial weeks, with the intention of “adding on” and refining the game plan as the team becomes more familiar with the new system.
As the All Blacks embark on a new era under Robertson’s leadership, this insight into the coaching model and selection process provides a fascinating perspective on the team’s evolution and their pursuit of success on the international stage.
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