RAZOR CUTS A COACH | LEON MACDONALD DEPARTS ALL BLACKS

A surprise so early in Scott Robertson's tenure that he has parted ways with his attack coach Leon Macdonald after only 5 games in charge and after comfortably the best attacking performance so far. Is everything ok in the All Black camp?

[@groundhog444]

At this rate Tim can post a video about paint drying, and I will watch it.

[@Won_By_One]

LOL

[@lensrugbymotivation]

Agree

[@joshuatinashe5774]

Me too funny enough, love how he breaks down things

[@stevefromsouthafrica]

Get a room

[@bertgoat]

he already has , you must have missed it.

[@bhejanenaturetraining1018]

Donald wanted to go straight to Steers in South Africa, but Scott wanted Nando's

[@mlisto293]

Both wanted Chicken Licken😂😂😂

[@Geezweez788]

South African brands, the only thing that can drive a wedge deep in the all black ranks😂😂

[@richardho5955]

Surprising, because they have Nando’s in NZ as well! 😂

[@South_Affy]

I miss that Steers Burger 😅

[@fu8713]

bhejanenaturetraining1018 And you moms wanted straight up Derrrck 😂😂

[@seanbarrettnz]

Razor has his masterplan: he's always going to put the ABs first, the attack was clunky in those first 5 matches, Leon's out - he's desisive and knows what he wants to see. I reckon Razor has far more involvement than we think, his touch needs to be on all parts of their game and if he doesn't feel like the attack is thumping to his tune = decision made.

[@joedennehy386]

I agree

[@frankvendetta9230]

Coaching a team is NOT a one man job.

[@DarkMoonWayfarer]

Sure...it will be MacDonald's fault the forward pack underperformed in the first Argentina game...

[@bokudesu3280]

Robertson is a rookie coach at this level and it shows. Cracks are appearing and the blow torch is on the breakdancing clown coach in the next 2 games.

[@StanWilks]

I personally think it shows incredible maturity from both parties to admit that an impasse has been reached. There's no point in extending a broken relationship, so to speak. After all, look at Eddie's last two years at England.

[@lateralus6512]

I agree. It tells me a lot about Razor's leadership. Make the hard call and get on with it. It's something our politicians could learn from.

[@Edgycoo]

Exactly. Create the vision. Get on board. If not, goodbye leon.

[@patrickkeane2067]

Still find it strange. When he picked and worked with him. And when lad tells us it was mutual separation, you know there talk sh itttttt

[@Edgycoo]

@@patrickkeane2067 true but they hadnt worked together for a while and in that time leon had a big role in Auckland. Leon may well of changed. The mutual separation comes from professionalism. Leon will need to go and get employed again. No point dramatising it.

[@markreilly105]

@@Edgycoo It looks like he was chosen as a second option, with Tony Brown unavailable to Razor, and even though they may have changed, their approach, methodology and how the game is played will not have. That is the reason given for them parting. A bad choice by Razor? Maybe the fact McDonald didn't have full control over the backs also contributed. Razor says selection wasn't a problem, but I am skeptical. Can't wait for the tell all biographies.

[@abhamilton]

I think it shows Razor has a definite direction he wants to take the team, and some people aren't fully with the program .Good onyah Razor.

[@hanoitripper1809]

He wants to make them the crusaders in black

[@rodwellchigome7567]

2 years to the day Foster got rid of his assistants, prior to touring South Africa. Crazy world we live in.

[@RozWentworth]

Yip...crazy

[@rodesianRogers]

Yip and they became way better

[@subbie5498]

​@rodesianRogers because they got joe schmidt

[@joeritchie2]

The differences must have been quite serious for this move to come so close to the South Africa tests!

[@ContendformyFaith]

That part

[@teevis3620]

Like it or leave it...There can be only 'ONE'. Either way... as another life long AB supporter nearing 70... It is what it is. We've had good coaches and lost when it matters...and players and coaches that were needed that didnt get selected. Either way... in it as a supporter because they ARE the All Blacks. Win lose or draw Get on it...lets go 👏👏

[@FredSkidmore]

Thanks for the amazing content, as a harlequins academy player this gives me inspiration and a greater rugby insight so thanks for that and keep up the great work ❤❤

[@daeganmartin2527]

Unless he wasn't involved in that last test, maybe Scott took the attacking reigns after a dispute. In that case the good performance would be the evidence he needed to kick him out.

[@user-rl2xo2du7f]

Exactly. Optics don't always show the correct timeline

[@markreilly105]

@@user-rl2xo2du7f So you are saying the fact they have been having discussions for several weeks is untrue? Maybe Razor started pushing into the week before and our attack was awful. I would like to know if attack includes forwards as I don't understand how you are only able to choose the outside backs and yet be responsible for the complete attack. Can someone explain for me, please? To me you should at least have control over all the back selections.

[@swisscloud4309]

@@markreilly105 I would assume the attack involves the forwards with the phases but to my understanding the attacking coach Leon has no say on the whole backline just the back 3 The other assistant are in charge of the halves and midfield

[@markreilly105]

@@swisscloud4309 Yes, that's what they said at the beginning and I find it difficult to understand why he would have no say in the rest of the backline. I feel the same about a defensive coach. Certain players have a game that wouldn't gel with others and it just seems illogical

[@wzywg]

If you catch Sam Cane's post test interview, he talks about how one key success factor was that the focus on detail was lifted off their shoulders to focus on mindset. I suspect it was part of a sea change which swept away Leon. I wish you were the voice of reason on The Break Down, even as a video gest (Kiwi accent). Your AB analysis would be a welcome foil to Goldie and Sir JK.

[@lateralus6512]

It's time for Goldie and JK to go. As a Kiwi they are embarasing.

[@Yeehaayolo]

Got to say Tim, you are very very good. You are great at breaking things down and comparing views

[@MRRBOKK]

Jamie Joseph also was running to be All Blacks coach and Tony Brown would’ve been his assistant.

[@EggchasersRugby]

Ahhh, I see

[@ABB24-07]

Yeah.... I believe Tony actually turned down the offer of All Blacks attack coach due to believing Jamie Joseph should of been head coach. Read it somewhere or heard it being talked about on a different Pod.

[@BanzLanda86]

​@@ABB24-07It's true.

[@rodeo4786]

Nothing against Razor support 💯 I just think Jamie Joseph would've brought a hardened edge to the pack combined with Tony browns focused attack one of thee best defending flyhalfs to play the game

[@markreilly105]

@@ABB24-07 That's right. He did not believe Razor had earned the right. You have to wonder if Leon was put there because Razor thought he could change him to fit what he wanted. Maybe that was one reason Leon left the Crusaders? What ever it was though, Razor made the decision to put him there and it was the wrong one. They don't see the game the same. The differences were approach, methodology and how the game is played. Pretty damning if you ask me.

[@iggyodwyer1]

Leon and Joe Schmidt worked together well at the Blues, Joe is now the Wallabies coach, Joe is also looking after the attack while also being the head coach. Not sure, sounds pretty interesting to me...

[@Dedbeatz.]

Interesting indeed. 🤔🤔🤔

[@MegaTkls]

Yeah I don’t understand why a head coach can’t also look after a portfolio as well

[@markreilly105]

@@MegaTkls Also interesting that Schmidt would work under McDonald and Foster, but not under Razor. You have to wonder.

[@bokudesu3280]

Robertson is a rookie coach at this level and it shows. He's got 7 coaches if you include the skills coaches. First time there is disagreement, Robertson's solution is to sack the guy. Blow torch well and truly on the breakdancing coach over in SA 🔥

[@LittleBigMediaCo]

I heard that Razor had appointed some of "his" coaching team under a bit of political pressure to include someone from each of the major NZ unions. And with the results so far, he's now decided hat there's no room for political passengers on his team.

[@oldblack15]

I remember chatting to someone who was paid to build his house. Razor is not nice like people think. He sticks in with his own ideas. Won't let people get on with doing the job. Needs to be involved. Needs to be in charge. Was always going to be interesting how this dynamic works. Trusting the plan and the vision. The allblacks evolving into razorblacks!

[@user-du8em2xq5c]

I am tempted to add another variable; getting on the plane to play the 'lions' in the 'lions' den (Boks in SA). No place to hide 'cracks'. I am sure Razor is looking forward to showing how 'sharp' he is. Great test for both camps! Cannot wait for this one.

[@ashinch0r]

As a head coach you are never able to just "hand off" ANYTHING. You are required to be the final say, that is the whole point of having a head coach.

[@lateralus6512]

Yeah, I'm happy with the way he's approched it so far. He's made the hard call and got on with it.

[@markreilly105]

@@lateralus6512 Made the hard call or could McDonald not put up with his interference any more. McDonald was hired as Attack coach. They spoke about the philosophy before a team was selected but the reason he left was a difference in approach, methodology and how the game is played. Surely Razor should have known that before he hired him?

[@lateralus6512]

@@markreilly105 Maybe. We don’t really know. It will come out eventually in an autobiography.

[@gerhardpotgieter840]

They are even more sorry now they slept on Tony Brown and he has signed a 4 year contract with the Springboks.Tony has played Currie Cup for the Stormers and Sharks so he knows South Africa and the culture,he was also coached by Rassie when he played for the Stormers.

[@MRRBOKK]

Meh Tony is alright. wouldn’t be surprised if Razor convinces someone like Wayne Smith

[@GBH001]

@@MRRBOKKdream on. He is employed by NZR

[@GBH001]

Oh yeah, they clearly didn’t know about Tony Brown😂

[@markreilly105]

@@MRRBOKK Smith said he wasn't interested. Tony Brown was in Razor's original team in 2019 and came on with Joseph as they had coached internationally together and shown success with Japan. Unfortunately that wasn't good enough.

[@clarke1319]

Tony Brown committed to Jamie Joseph. Brown has said this publicly. Anyone can research it. If Joseph had been given the AB job instead of Robertson then Brown would now be with the ABs.

[@Billcali]

It's a tough gig and the AB's are rebuilding their entire structures and systems. So I thinks it's good to see.

[@harryshark5459]

3 of our best attack coaches are with RSA, AUS, and IRE...

[@huepix]

And our best 1st five not allowed to play.

[@mgibbs3711]

How so?

[@harryshark5459]

@@mgibbs3711 schmidt, tony brown, and andrew goodman are kiwis

[@natecoet3291]

Looking at it you see countrymen provide different specialists. For instance no doubt you get incredible attack coaches out of NZ, SA has good scrum coaches, Wales used to make good defense coaches and so on...

[@janvanderschyff9374]

I agree with your conclusion that the rift is larger than they say.

[@user-rl2xo2du7f]

Disagree. Strategic disagreements doesn't have to be personal. Razor will do whatever he needs to make them successful.

[@Andrewpc2023]

Tim, big pressure, this is early days in the cycle. Razor is entitled to choose his team. The All Blacks are a class act and will bounce back.

[@karllincoln6859]

I suspect Tim that you are bang on, sometimes having to many head coaches in one outfit just does not work out. You can have a team ethic of collaboration but the fact the matter is the buck still has to stop somewhere and in this case it is with Razor, if there is a disagreement and the foot has been put down the assistant needs to understand that they need to choose another hill to die on. Both great coaches but only one head coach.

[@user-dt3yr9bo4s]

Bang on ... too many cooks There are still 8 coaches in the all blacks ... 8!!! Too many voices making the messages to mixed to the players As for T Brown ... he turned Razor down upon his approach to be his attack coach ...

[@karllincoln6859]

@user-dt3yr9bo4s 8 cooks is fine as long as they understand there is only one chief, it's when their are two that think they are in charge that broths get spoiled.

[@peterlow1513]

Look im a South African bok supporter and I'll damn honest. Don't ever write off the blacks just don't do it. They are the blacks we all know damn well just how damn good they are and the Razor now common man remember the crusaders? Give them time they will bounce back stronger.

[@timproome4296]

This could galvanise the ABs and force a new focus. Agreed, never write them off.

[@Bobbydyland]

100%. The AB's are the most dangerous when they're vulnerable.

[@huepix]

True. But the top 5 sides are all like that. And, of course, the Ozzies. Never ever write off a wounded Ozzie. It's soo close now, and S.A. have incredible depth and talent. They will dominate for the next century. The ABs time is over

[@hikurukutai]

@@huepix haha you are funny

[@Forcez89]

@@huepixyou’re saying the ABs time is over and you have NZ in your profile pic. Disgrace

[@Jordan-du6fu]

Scott Robertson didn't go for tony brown in 2023 because he didn't do very well at the highlanders and also because he had built a bond with these other coaches such as Scott Hansen.

[@janvanderschyff9374]

Springbok looks nice on Tony Browns chest🤔

[@ContendformyFaith]

Very much so

[@eugenioandreabruno2093]

Dear Tim: Great comments. From an Argentine standpoint, this reflects on the victory, big feat. And for the second game, no inconsistency and no domination. Six individual mistakes from the 9 and 10 during a spam of 15 minutes. Moreover, the incentives entering into the game were different. Finally, you can beat the Jordan´s Bulls at Chicago, but the second game they would come with bazookas, and you had your job done.

[@armandlubbe4935]

Me as a South African grabbing the popcorn and just enjoying the show haha. But on a serious note, I think you hit the nail on the head there, I think there is a lot of inhouse politics and behind the scenes stuff that is weighing heavily on Scott Robertson, that we don't necessarily know about but that is demanding for results. Also for your trip to come and watch the games, there are park and ride busses and shuttle services to Ellis Park, i would highly recommend them for safety reasons and not to have to go by car and are much more convenient. As always love your videos, much love from SA.

[@heidimuller8339]

Well, we shall soon see how this change has impacted their attacking play. Looking forward to it.

[@maori_brotha]

Awesome intrigue! Makes it very interesting! Bring on the World's best...the Boks... Rugby is in an amazing space.

[@seankennedyabrahams7197]

Could be a case of too many voices. I recall Sam Caine's post match interview. He spoke about clearing heads from too many voices in the coaches room. Looks like they are cleaning up before the showdown against the world's best 🦌

[@shaunelsdon7963]

Sam Cane's post match interview was very telling... They cut out the BS and simplified it

[@sox7784]

Yeah I think so as well but we will have to wait and see what happens next week. Who had the most influence in the win against Argentina? because it was an absolute unbelievable change from the first game Can’t wait for the next game

[@timgregory82]

the thing is attack is not just backs. its also how the backs link with the forwards. my belief is its an overall vision for the team and perhaps a player like Hoskins who Leon used very well to link forwards and backs was a point of contention between them. im from auckland but was very excited to have robertson as head coach,. but a lot of what ive seen so far has me wondering. fingers crossed it all works out. Hopefully Wayne Smith has a coherent vision for him and he can just be a motivator

[@MegaTkls]

Both razor and the CEO said selection wasn’t an issue. Most pro team runs similar attack systems these days, be it 1331 or 1322. But it could’ve come down to whether they wanted to be MORE attack focused or MORE kick/defend focused, in which the overall philosophy lies.

[@davesmith826]

@@MegaTkls Interesting. That kind of schism could certainly explain the timing - to risk it all against the men in green with an all-court game or to play a more conservative brand of rugby is precisely the kind of decision that cannot really be compromised, especially when you're at the start of a new team cycle and giving the players their new briefs.

[@timgregory82]

@MegaTkls if selection was an issue do you think Razor and the Ceo would admit that?

[@icefarrow7959]

Lol, you Hoskins fanboys never give up, do you? 😂

[@markreilly105]

@@icefarrow7959 I suppose when he's the best 8 in NZ that happens. An All Black coach who doesn't pick on form, even though he say's that's the main criteria, has to be worried about. And I'm a Highlanders supporter so have no allegiance to the Blues.

[@waffle_burger8499]

Let's call a spade a spade here. McDonald was fired plain and simple, no-one walks away from a $600K-$1M per annum salary willingly. He'd have a gag clause in his severance package preventing him from commenting on what actually happened, but you'd assume it would have been a pretty serious falling out.

[@LionOnSea]

If I was an AB player, this doesn't give me comfort. Razor just cut a former colleague, team mate like that. So if I as a player voice a contrasting view of strategy or shape, am I next?

[@mpilodigitalmarketing]

He quit, he wasn't cut.

[@timgregory82]

@@mpilodigitalmarketing wasn't

[@wanderer5598]

Welcome to being on every rugby team ever. If you can't get along with the head coach? Good luck.

[@icefarrow7959]

As a player, you are allowed to voice a differing opinion, but at the end of the day, your job is to do whatever your coach says.

[@hanoitripper1809]

@@wanderer5598lol that’s why it’s always good to crack a few jokes at training with the coach.. he’ll select you just for the bants subconsciously 😂😂

[@rhysharry6965]

Very good analysis of what might be happening. Everyone speculating here but good comments with respect which is a good reflection of how you present your ideas. Most blogs are disgraceful but it good to read some intelligent thoughts here Thanks mate.

[@DavidSmith-yi8ou]

Given Razors attack consistently dismantled Leons attack in Super rugby, I’m not disappointed if Razor has pulled rank if there was a difference in attacking philosophy. End of the day a decision has been made and they both handled it like men. No doubt some will see this as inner turmoil and reinforce their belief the ABs have no chance in SA. Perfect.

[@markreilly105]

Your first comment makes me to ask the question, Why did he hire him if, as you are implying, he wasn't up to it?

[@DavidSmith-yi8ou]

@@markreilly105 because Razor doesn’t hire people based of my opinions… which is all my comment was.

[@randomlyfactual1943]

Test rugby is a different beast. Where in the club and/or the provinicial game, you are in a league setup and you get 20-30 games per season, in test rugby you get ONE shot. ONE bite of the cherry. In the club game, you can try something to see how it plays out. If it doesn't, give it another whirl. Maybe make some tweaks. In test rugby though, you don't have these luxuries. There are no throwaway fixtures; you don't get to say "we were trying some new things". There is no universe in which MacDonald leaving atter only five games as assistant coach is a good thing; it is indicative of the pressure on the coaching staff and that the honeymoon is definitely over. Hopefully this termination streamlines the coaching structure and they get it right. If they don't.... We are looking at an almighty hiding in Ellis Park.

[@umlungu5438]

Thanks for your regular insights, glad to see your channel growing every day! Congrats on reaching 100k. Cape Town is going to blow your mind...did you secure the Deon Fourie interview...I'm hanging for that one!

[@vitamingreen4815]

It definitely is strange, yes. In the 1st Argentina game, you could argue that defense was actually the bigger issue. How did they get so many points against the ABs in the first place? I mean, it would've been a much different result. But, then again, after the second game, the players themselves mentioned that they just felt overloaded with info during the 1st game. Who knows. I suspect we'll find out next weekend. I hope our Boks are ready for it. Thanks Tim

[@CF-ib7be]

Pressure, pressure, pressure.....Does Razor really have what it takes? We will see. Interesting times for the ABs.

[@nate1593]

Good analysis, with that said the attack wasn't too bad in the first Argentinan game, it was our DEFENCE that let us down.

[@UlrichHoltzhausen]

They are coming for Tony. Run, Tony, run.

[@hartley9958]

Heard Razor wasn't happy with the attack and took it over for the last test and MacDonald didn't like it....

[@IAMMURAGE]

TB told Marshy that he doesn't have a job for the next 4 years. Razor told him he's not in his plans when he got the ABs gig. Then Rassie came to sweep him up.

[@wendymetelerkamp3336]

Hi Tim. Hope to catch you in JHB!

[@user-du8em2xq5c]

I have just read that Felix Jones is leaving the England coaching team! That demonstrates to me that to manage a coaching team at international level is a HUGE task. It seems coaching teams need to consider this question: What is the GLUE keeping us together? What is the common VISION? Rassie is a master at this, it seems.

[@cjgrobler101]

Very interesting. I can't help but admire Rassie even more after hearing this. He has the ability to keep a team/coaching team together, how many times did he say in chasing the sun that ego's is the biggest problem. I remember him saying that if he, Rassie, has the ego problem the team should tell him. Because the goal is bigger than him and the individual. I do hope we get a proper NZ team, so that we can test ourselves against the best. Thanks Tim for a great channel!

[@at7512]

This shows Razor is feeling the pressure.. Honeymoon very much over..

[@tvpc3194]

big time. The fact he is dying his hair a new colour shows this

[@richardturner6063]

Wait until the ABs are thrashed by South Africa.

[@Tiki63]

@@tvpc3194😂😂

[@Edgycoo]

It shows he is getting it done. Early.

[@richardturner6063]

@@Edgycoo My bet is that Razors record won’t be that good. I suspect he doesn’t like other coaches suggestions. From his explanations yesterday he’s not the sharpest.

[@andresullivan6473]

This is a blow to NZ 1 week before boks games

[@Brucemcleod2345]

I’m not sure what happened with Leon McDonald but The loss of Whitelock and Retalick are huge. South Africa have monsters in their pack and our lineout is poor. Razor has some huge boots to fill

[@vuyaniman9440]

Left field comment; 5 games in for the AB’s and I don’t see a difference in the way the AB’s are playing now vs when Foster was in charge. They are still dangerous on counter attacks, good on defence but not unbeatable. . Players tend to play like they are in Super Rugby sometimes, like the game against Argentina. Point is I don’t see why Foster was hated so much and don’t see the hype around Razor ,yet.

[@kylerein2034]

Agree. Average looking ABs under Foster and still average looking with Robertson

[@markreilly105]

@@kylerein2034 Yup, Foster had lost 2 games by this stage but no more until October in his second year. We will compare the records after the end of year tour.

[@Wolf-hh4rv]

SA here, I thought the heat on Fozzie was ridiculous. He loses a game here and there….

[@barneyboy2008]

​@@markreilly105foster only had 6 tests in his first year. Robertson has 14 tests.

[@barneyboy2008]

​@@Wolf-hh4rv people didnt like the jobs for mates that was going on.

[@craigjoshuaboden1087]

I would love sa to win but to loss to nz in a close match is no dishonour.

[@Benjani1011]

Really hope to see you in Cape Town. If you are willing to brave the cold water I encourage you to go for a guided snorkel in somewhere in Simonstown, namely Castle Rocks or Windmill Beach. Our underwater safari's are incredibly underrated.

[@leightonkeutenius4455]

Leon coached a stacked Auckland blues side with up to 8 All blacks and they weren’t anything special to be fair . Vern Cotter arrives back from up North and turned them into a formidable foward based power beast of a rugby team and won Super rugby in his first year with the blues . That can’t reflect well on Leon as a head coach and personally I was completely at a loss why he got the gig upon Razors announcement . Impossible to prove but just maybe with there history as good mates etc he clipped his ticket to jump on board . The backs were a mess against England and a very poor loss to Los Pumas and Razors realised this is a brutal performance based buisiness and he def didn’t like what he saw from his attack coach quickly .

[@markreilly105]

They have been having honest discussions for several weeks Razor said. That's before the first Argentina test, possibly when we played Fiji. As for Vern Cotter. The international experience he bought back along with the Northern Hemisphere game showed the difference. There is no substitute for experience. Leon did a good job with the Blues bringing them together and making them competitive but Vern's way of coaching made them champions. Just like Jamie Joseph and Japan. When he left NZ we were still a major power in rugby. Razor is missing that edge.

[@PaulLMF]

Exactly mate. Couldn't understand LM getting the job in the first place. Blues attack mostly clunky

[@Owensguitarstudio]

Razor mentioned in 2 post match interviews that what they were doing in practice wasn't happening in the game. Maybe he was venting some frustration with the attack specifically? Also, Tony Brown was supporting Jamie Joseph's bid for the ABs job in 2023 which is why he wasn't on Razor's list.

[@user-jw4yc3ec6y]

Interesting how subs gapped to 103k so quickly, we were stuck at 98k for a while 👍

[@x-latetv-x6816]

Rugby championship more people get involved

[@florisslabber1758]

This is a strange one. They knows one another so long!!!! Something must have happened.

[@Wolf-hh4rv]

They played AB together

[@davidwalker2402]

Hopefully Razor doesn’t turn out to be Eddie jones , but it’s allvery odd…

[@RichardMuller-t9o]

Tim, in 2023- Tony Brown did stay loyal to Jamie Joseph who he worked with in Japan, Jamie Joseph was also one-off the candidates interviewed for the AB's Head Coach Role by NZRFU, hence Tony Brown was on a different ticket in 2023 compared to 2019.

[@clarke1319]

quite right.

[@joedennehy386]

Perhaps the mixed messages caused the poor play. There's only room for one boss. Robertson is ruthless, no Christie, Narawa, and McDonald. Decisiveness is good I think.

[@MarcelAspenite]

The AB’s use to seamlessly interchange the old with the new without any negative affect on their performance. That’s not the case anymore. The cracks are showing and the pressure is on. I still think they can win a World Cup. They just have to stick to playing what they do best - 15 man heads up rugby!

[@user-du8em2xq5c]

Tim, you have a mouth-watering trip coming up; ENJOY!

[@Castaca27]

They're down to their last 8 assistant coaches

[@timgregory82]

hahaha it is ridiculous. its not american football

[@lauriecarter8931]

Way way to many voices players will be confused no doubt.

[@JohnMichaels-fs7bi]

Let me tell you Tim. Tony said No both times.

[@Hatunrumioc]

I remember just after Razor announced his assistants, he was asked what he looked for most when selecting them, and his answer was loyalty. Not ability, experience etc. Like someone else mentioned, how does this look to the players or other coaches if he'd sack someone he's known very closely for decades over some differences in opinion? If he wins it won't matter but I wonder what the culture is really like behind the scenes

[@user-rl2xo2du7f]

That argument can work the other way. If coaches aren't nailing their jobs, that can affect culture also. How many high performance corporate jobs do they not hesitate to move someone on if they aren't delivering?

[@Hatunrumioc]

@@user-rl2xo2du7f good point as we potentially saw with the last group and NZR having to step in

[@markreilly105]

@@Hatunrumioc Only problem there was they made it well known to everyone what they were doing and then hijacked their own team by looking for a new coach a year before the position became available. How unsettling would that be for the players and how can you get the right person for the job when you have already made your decision without looking for anyone else. Why would you apply when everyone knew who the new coach would be. NZR had already told us.

[@robertmariu6783]

Reading too much into this . 2 grown men have a disagreement ! Whether it's good or not , we will find out ; better to clear the air now !!!

[@plazma1215]

You say Razor said to Leon, ‘attack is all yours’ and then just left it to him. Not so sure! Selection is also part of the game, and we don’t know how much weight was given to Leon in that regard. To me, Razor comes across as an ‘it's my way or the highway’ type of person, which might be what we are seeing here. The next two games are going to be telling I think.

[@michaelpiccirillo1201]

Was always surprised that MacDonald was there as ATTACK coach - after Razor so demolished the Blues (I'm a Blues fan) in the 2022 final. MacDonald was never able to take the Blues to the next level - compare this to Vern Cotter, came and conquered because he has real international experience.

[@timgregory82]

it was the forwards that dominated that final. MacDonald did get a win over Razor with the Blues

[@bunnychowmuncher]

Its a lot more complex than that because in 2022 The Crusaders had the bulk of their All Blacks who were not there in 2024. Could Vern Cotter have beaten the Crusaders in 2022 coaching the 2002 Blues squad? Its Apples vs Oranges comparison just like Foster did not have the same level of talent that Hansen did at the All Blacks.

[@BustaNutt7138]

It's simple Kiwi pride can never handle that loss to Argentina. Someone's head had to roll. Dude threw his mate under the bus.

[@winstonwiggill2824]

My take is Leon Mac was the attack coach in game 1 against Los Pumas. Razor took responsibility in game 2 and turned it around, bye bye Leon

[@riaansnyman8747]

LOOKING GOOD

[@nzfreeski]

Tim they worked for one year and Leon departed in a weird way in 2017 - why he selected him now I don’t know

[@W0nderer]

Boks Office performance is right 😂 What wasn't mentioned is that Rassie also has strong willed coaches and seems to walk the line between listening to his team and making decisions. The practical reality is that these conflicts have and will play out on thee field in performance

[@winstonwiggill2824]

My favorite rugby show. 👏

[@jacobusjonck2172]

Bring on the bench!

[@cgmckie]

I’m a crusader supporter. They know each other well and it would have been mutual. Leon is class. So is Razor And mention Eddy in the conversation is a bit much. Love your work!!

[@Rustie_za]

Stuff like this affects the team's morale. You can spin it as much as you want in the media, it always affects players. It distracts and creates uncertainty. I really hope this type of nonsense gets sorted out very fast for their sake.

[@johnharris4474]

Tim ....Yeah it may be odd , but whatever transpired between razor & Rangi we might not ever find out . I can tell you Leons 5 years at the Blues produced no title. I dont know what sort of coach he is (Leon) but he was a great full back & all black & a true master under the high ball , Rangi decided to step down , he wasn t sacked. John (nz) ps: i think you covered it pretty well yourself in this podcast)

[@jontheb123]

Odd - one imagines that if you picked a team to work under you, that you would have the confidence to give it a season at least.

[@ABB24-07]

Unless some of the team was picked for you? Who knows?🤷‍♂️

[@markreilly105]

@@ABB24-07 Yeah right. If Razor let some of the team get picked for him, then he didn't deserve the position. That would mean he only got it because he did what they wanted and Jamie Joseph missed out because he had the integrity to stand by his own choices. Razor didn't. Is that what you are saying? It would prove that Razor is an imposter.

[@jamiebanks4939]

For a couple of weeks I'd been thinking of posting "Is Leon MacDonald an adequate replacement for Joe Schmidt?" Although I wish I had posted, now I'm starting to think, "What if Joe Schmidt's influence on MacDonald at the Blues is what gave him a different viewpoint on attack?"

[@jimdavis762]

Leon had multiple concussions , he could have a short fuse nowadays, saying that - I like him as a coach and seems like a nice guy.

[@annemiebritz6609]

On the one hand it is probably good for him to go now and not let it fester and influence the team. However, I do find it very strange that they have fundamentally different philosophies - didn’t Razor make sure to have guys on his coaching team that buy into his grand plan? It would worry me a bit as a AB supporter. Is there a clear plan/strategy to evolve their game? I also find it puzzling that is happening before the SA tour. The rift must be big. It would have made sense to do it after the Championship. It has, however, dominated the news the last few days. Touring in SA will be a litmus test for Razor and co. He is a good coach, but whatever happens, they will learn a lot. It is going to be a hellavu mini-tour.

[@CornèPypers]

How do i get in touch with you Tim?? Would love to see you when you in Gauteng for the AB test ,I have a very special gift for you to take back to your home in England

[@RozWentworth]

Just saw post on Felux Jones leaving England...maybe going to NZ? Any news on this Tim?

[@Nkanyiso131]

This decision puts them and Razor under real pressure, because now if they lose the first test, this will be the talking point.

[@Stussgurl]

It’s sounds like they couldn’t agree on how to use Talea and attack style. Supposedly McDonald wasn’t at the last Argentina game but, we won’t really know, unless one of them comes out with their reasons.

[@riaanstrydom6549]

Rather now than 1 month before the next world cup

[@zavirca]

Maybe it's possible that one of the other coaches did the attack plan for the second game against the Aregie's because Leon"s ideas just weren't clicking with he players, and Leon has packed a sad.

[@craigrodger3628]

I think he gives his coaching staff ,like his players the opportunity to perform , and based on that you either make the cut or you don't...

[@CharlieElise-y8t]

Spot on Tim,too many cooks in the kitchen. ABs have too many coaches, makes you wonder what all do,especially when we have players who can't throw to the line out,can't catch and pass or kick the ball from own half.

[@natecoet3291]

Puts things into perspective, I wonder how Rassie and Tony Brown work together.

[@matsvineyard7564]

Razor looks a little nuts. Hope he keeps it together.

[@lateralus6512]

Most of the interesting people in this world seem a little nuts from the perspective of Joe average.

[@lauriecarter8931]

He'll be alright.

[@chiefsgirl1307]

Tony Brown went on Jamie Joseph's ticket in 2023 when he applied for the AllBlacks job not Scott Robertsons.

[@BanzLanda86]

Regardless of what's happening with the AB backroom staff, what I know is that we're playing against the ABs, and we should tread carefully.

[@richardho5955]

Tony Brown played for the Sharks in Durban for a couple of seasons and he had fun time there! I’m not sure he was up for a peer AB in Razor as his boss, and the challenge to go back to Saffaland and be a Bok assistant coach with a Master Coach in Rassie was too attractive to turn down! 🇳🇿🏉🇿🇦👍

[@huepix]

Yeah, talk about out of left field. I wonder if there's not some other issue that they are covering for. Leon offered a new contract elsewhere? Maybe him or a family member is really sick, and they dont wanna publicize it? I dunno.

[@davejordan267]

He wasnt Cut, He quit on his own accord "allegedly"

[@lateralus6512]

We probably won't know until one of them writes an autobiograpy.

[@Edgycoo]

This is very positive for new Zealand