Razor Starts as All Blacks Coach - New Approach to Selections

Scott Robertson has just given his first talk to the media since officially starting work as head coach of the All Blacks
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[@DrissZyani-bu5mo]

The all blacks reign begins with the best coach in the world !

[@pjclaasen4599]

I met Razor in 2009 at the NZ Rugby Academy in Palmerston North. He was a new coach back then and just started coaching the NZ o/20 team if memory serves. He did a 2-hour course on the breakdown with our coaching group (which was excellent) and he was the only coach that asked us for feedback on how he could communicate the content better. I watched him as a player growing up, but was even more impressed with him as a person when we met in person. Smart, intense, but also fun-loving as you mentioned Mark. I wish him all the best for his coaching tenure - looking forward to many Rassie vs Razor match-ups!

[@DrissZyani-bu5mo]

Rassie has much chance seriously and for me not great coach : poor game only with basic # razor other level !

[@Conrad-uj1df]

Great 👌

[@schnickeringhen]

After all the palaver I’m really excited to see how this new coaching group goes. Looks like a fricking tough year with so many tests against very good sides. FINGERS CROSSED!

[@TwoCentsRugby]

Yeah man the hype train has been going on for ages! We'll see how he gets on

[@bjornhoffmann6008]

I am quite certain that South African rugby supporters, like myself, appreciate that this appointment may likely mean a spell of dominance for the ABs. They needed someone that pushes boundaries and is innovative (sound familiar?)😎

[@joedennehy386]

South Africa have done brilliantly well at world cups, even though they have only scored a try in one of their four victories. But when you mention New Zealand dominance, you clearly are not a history buff. Up until 1981, before neutral referees were introduced, South Africa beat New Zealand, 56% of the time, and were the only team to have the better of us after 50 years. Since Neutral referees came in, you have won just 20 of 70 tests against us. Or 28%. So we have been very dominant against you since uncle Gert stopped blowing the whistle for you in 1976.

[@bjornhoffmann6008]

@@joedennehy386 I was not necessarily eluding to a Bok era of dominance but rather bringing back the glory days when the ABs were almost unbeatable. This appointment means that could happen again. Unless, we're all naive and the game has moved on and nations have become more closely matched from here on in. I just think Razor is the man to lift the standard once more for the ABs

[@honahwikeepa2115]

👍

[@JOATMOFA]

🤣 "chip on the shoulder" response @@joedennehy386

[@christoduplessis8177]

​@@joedennehy386 this is the dumbest thing people from NZ keep on bringing up. It is such stupid argument as it is just opinion from old timers from a country that seems to be terrible losers. That said, NZ sorted themselves out at home too. Picking a heavyweight boxer to beat our props into submission or in the NZ tour of 1981 when a free kick infringement became a penalty infringement right at the end of the 3rd test to help NZ win the series 2-1. Yet we don't cry ourselves to sleep each night. Something you lot struggle with badly.

[@TheJunglecrab]

The level of expectation NZ public have put on this guy is next level! I hope for his sake that he can live up to the hype. Incorporating overseas players is inevitable for all nations, sooner or later. The sooner they make the transition, the easier it will be to iron out the processes

[@TwoCentsRugby]

Yeah man there is a lot of goodwill for the guy, but there is also a lot of expectation - if he loses a couple of games it'll be interesting to see how long that goodwill lasts

[@charlottescott7150]

@@TwoCentsRugby they must give him and the team time to settle in! I hope they do that.

[@Formakiwi]

He won't. England will win the two test series in June and SA will take out the RC. Cantabs will make excuses or scream that the whole team should be Crusaders, but eventually either he'll get the sack for failing to keep the team winning all the time or the public will have to face up to the fact that the talent coming through isn't up to it anymore.

[@icefarrow7959]

​@Formakiwi England couldn't even beat the All Blacks pre-RWC, and that was with their star players. What hope would they have now, with the ABs under a more competent coach, and a number of key players taking a break from the game?

[@michaelmoynihan9591]

​@@icefarrow7959 you,r clueless England knocked Allblacks out of previous world cup..Allblacks have not beaten them since..get your, fact,s right mate.or just stick to pingpong 😂😂😂😂😂

[@BetaPen]

I hope the best for him and the all blacks

[@TwoCentsRugby]

Yeah he's an out of the box thinker which I think could help

[@parkiwi4787]

For anyone who watches NZ school boy rugby, Razor has loads to be excited about. 17 year olds showing unbelievable skills and compassion for the game.

[@stick08]

I 2nd this. Filming my son’s team last season and the skill, the willingness to run and offload. Amazing. Good slow mo stuff.

[@parkiwi4787]

@@stick08 And they love it, the team spirit and in respect for the opposition is admirable.

[@stick08]

@@parkiwi4787 absolutely!

[@Formakiwi]

Under 20s getting towled regularly at the world champs nowadays. They finished 7th the last two competitions (2019-2023). There's a world outside NZ unfortunately.

[@kurupt7154]

@@Formakiwiwhy are you such a negative little girl? 😂🤦🏽 funny enough when we were dominating constantly it didn’t actually translate to all black success 🤦🏽😂 cry more

[@sbok9481]

Selection by committee as always the way to go. The coach just have to communicate and specify the type of players he wants. The selectors will go find them. One person cannot attend all Super Rugby matches and only have two eyes. It also remove biased selections. Be like Rasor; look at the bright side and support your coach.

[@tierra6391]

I really like that selection process as well. That way we won’t have a selection of brothers in one family playing when there are better players out there missing out

[@Alex55455]

I am super excited about the Razor era because he’s a such an exciting and amazing coach. Also having Wayne Smith there to guide and advise Razor is absolutely huge. I also hope when Razor and Foster meet they able to use it as an opportunity to finally put to bed their differences and leave with no ill feelings towards the other.

[@TwoCentsRugby]

Yeah man I feel like Razor is one of those x-factor guys, hopefully he gets the buy in from players and the NZRU to be successful

[@dmazingi]

I'm also really excited about how the whole coaching team will do and hopefully the whole organisation will change us approach to fans, press and on field tactics. It's a real gauntlet of fire though cos they are playing 15 maybe 17 games which is gruelling

[@brucefale6132]

What differences did they have with each other? It was NZR, the fans and the media that were responsible for all the drama. These two men had nothing against each other.

[@brucefale6132]

@@dmazingi whatever you say chief....carry on. The world could do with more conspiracy's.

[@Alex55455]

@@brucefale6132 I just want everyone to be positive and get along with no more this person against that person narrative been pushed.

[@Natedawg38]

Best of luck to razor

[@greenplasticgun]

All the best ABs. God help the rest of us.

[@njg5942]

Interesting TC, thanks!

[@superbowljoel01]

I kinda feel for Foster. Just never felt like he got a fair shake. Always had the sense of a dead man walking. Anyways, here's to a new dawn!

[@TwoCentsRugby]

Yeah he was always the NZRU choice and the media/fans went harder on him because of it

[@ObiePaddles]

@@TwoCentsRugbythen the NZRU all but threw him under the bus. Even then he was a kick just missing away from a World Cup win.

[@Finderskeepers.]

Surprised to hear it was a set rule on club play time rather than considering the individuals age, position and injury history in this day and age

[@TwoCentsRugby]

Yeah man you'd think they'd treat it case by case

[@Conrad-uj1df]

Winner I'm a very happy Man

[@ericdavison6186]

Thank you mark, keep us updated wrt the nz kiwis.

[@joeritchie2]

Nice summary.

[@schnickeringhen]

Not sure about the whole ‘selection by committee’ situation. I know you’d want input from all coaches but I reckon you’d need one guy, the head coach, making the final decision so you had a solid and cohesive team. I’m sure he’d have a vision for how he wants the team to play.

[@TwoCentsRugby]

Yeah man I would have thought it's one person's vision with input from the support staff.... But then again the Aussies brought in a selection committee when Cheika was in charge because his selections were questionable 😅

[@joedennehy386]

It's just a sop to the press it won't actually happen, it will be his team

[@goldenak25]

Its classic Razor mentality and building the right coaching team around him as he knows where his weaknesses are and will always ask for the best input from key advisors. Razor is confident leader that can inspire all his coaching team and players but doesnt have a narcistic ego that gets in the way of asking for advice and input into the areas where he lacks.

[@iluvmusicqwe]

It's been the all black selection process since forever

[@davesmith826]

It makes a lot of sense: each coach has input and thus responsibility. If they fuck up, it's on them. If they pick the right combos, they get praised. Clever move by a very clever coach

[@kennethmacibela4463]

Exiting times in NZ rugby era under the new coach. I am hopeful and confident that, with the support of everyone, Scott Robertson will be a great coach. But, we must give him time as things may not go as we thought, because no one controls everything, only God does!

[@chrismouton1985]

The Age of Raxor is here. We're all very curious to see how he goes. He seems like a great person and full of ideas. It can only be good for the sport!

[@ruthcarter1360]

Two cents 🖤💯👍 right up there

[@Andy_M986]

A good Old B.O.P boy at the helm of our National team, I hope all the hype and furore about all of this stacks up, there were a lot of us that questioned his bid for ABs coach with no international experience within the ABs coaching panel,bit of a SBW situation.

[@iluvmusicqwe]

Seems like a lot people here in the comments don't know about the allblacks/new Zealand rugby. They've had a selector board for a long time.

[@mikedee171]

I think eras of dominance are over, the top 4-6 teams are too close for that. I don’t know whether he will be successful, but I think his greatest challenge is finding and creating the next bunch of great ABs

[@deanw2847]

About f%*kin time!!

[@april-tui3524]

Well the AB fans will be smiling with Razor finally in the top job! Right decision, a bit late but should be interesting. The selection thing is weird? But perhaps that’s how he normally works. We’ll see! Happy New Year Mark 👍🏾

[@TwoCentsRugby]

Yeah I'm gonna assume with his record he knows what he's doing! It's just a bit unusual aye

[@april-tui3524]

@@TwoCentsRugby it is, but he probably knows a bit more than you and I aye!

[@donnybrascocoliogne819]

❤ ALL BLACKS RUNS FOREVER THROUGH THESE VEINS ❤

[@parkiwi4787]

New Zealand rugby and the All Blacks have done so much to spread the game globally. Rugby is the winner, who would have thought 40 years ago that counties like Japan could compete at the level they do.

[@ruthcarter1360]

Scott, don't worry you've got this!! Wishing you all the best with your new appointment 😁 All Blacks still rule the Rugby world 🌍 with Kiwi Lads ruling the rugby rockers commentary 🖤🖤🖤🖤🔥

[@Formakiwi]

The All Blacks haven't ruled the rugby world since 2017. The B&I Lions series that year was a turning point, and the team has been on the slide ever since. A lucky draw and one exceptional performance against Ireland saw them through to the RWC final last year, but they blew it in the final with poor discipline and ropey goalkicking, two things which were never deciding factors for the ABs in their pomp. Like with Australia in 2015, the fact that they made the final provided a little paper over the cracks, but a 0-2 record against France over the course of the four-year cycle, consistent losses to Ireland over the last 8 years, the comprehensive demolition jobs inflicted by England in the 2019 semi-final and SA in the 2023 warmup game at Twickenham demonstrate the steadily eroding standard of both forward play, strategic game management and (most notably this cycle) clutch goalkicking, which has gone from a primary strength in Carter's time to a glaring weakness of the likes of Mo'unga, Barrett and even MacKenzie in the test arena. Our best goalkicker of the past four years was Jordie Barrett, but his game was utterly destroyed last year by Jason Holland, just as Beauden's was by Leon MacDonald. The fact that both those men are on Scott Robertson's staff should chill the blood of any All Black supporter. But, such is the sycophantic adulation flowing Scott Robertson's way, its like their miserable records of dulling talent and crushing invention in the Super Rugby teams they led has been ignored or forgotten. I predict rugged times ahead, both for the team and fans.

[@gc4610]

@@Formakiwi You think it will be worse than the last 4 years?

[@Icemane1995]

Has his style of rugby been tested properly? A sub par super rugby competition does really get you exposure to other styles of rugby. The slow grindy, high frequency kicking game. Super rugbys been all running rugby. I hope he does well. I’m backing him!!

[@ObiePaddles]

I like the coaches for a specific area being responsible for selection…increases the accountability.

[@charlottescott7150]

I hope it goes well for NZ. Interesting to watch how the Crusaders and ABs go.

[@TwoCentsRugby]

Yeah fingers crossed the Crusaders will drop it down a notch 😅

[@joedennehy386]

People say razor walked into a championship winning franchise, they don't remember the previous coach Todd Blackadder won nothing for 6 years, despite having McCaw Carter, Reid, Frank's, Whitelock, Crotty, I could go on.....

[@goldenak25]

@@TwoCentsRugby Rob Penny is a pretty decent coach and mentored Razor in Canterbury... I think we will make the finals this year at least!

[@axxey]

I would like them to pick form players from Super, rather than picking allblacks then "managing" their workloads at the expense of other people's opportunities to make a mark at international level. "Selection by committee" is not remotely selection by 5 different individuals for different positions you imply. It's a stretch to take his comments that way.

[@KernowekTim]

Super is one thing. ABs is another: as we understand. I wish him well in his tenure. May he enjoy it. May he taste success and endure 'the long-knives' of NZ in defeat...

[@IgorOcash]

Selection - it seems to me that the head coach has always got to have the ultimate authority in the final selection. For example, if the head coach wants to emphasize controlling the loose rucks and optimizing turnover success at rucktime, that is going to influence whether a player like Scott Barrett plays in the 2nd row, or as a loose forward. A system where the position coaches make their recommendations to the head coach seems to me to have more merit than one where the position coaches make the selections.

[@philgardiner445]

I am not sure if I would describe it as Selection by Committee. Razor said each position coach would be responsible for selecting their player with oversight by the head coach. Assistants are empowered but also accountable for their positions. A new way of thinking for the ABs.

[@TwoCentsRugby]

It's definitely a new way of picking a team!

[@brentgregory1359]

Hoo Hey Razor Ray!!

[@RRTNZ]

I was a Crusaders supporter for 25 years, until a friend's son started playing for the Chiefs... But they're still the team to beat - and Razor is responsible for a lot of their success. If Razor can build a Crusaders style apparatus around the AllBlacks, then they'll be a match for the Boks very soon.

[@FundiWaStima]

They are already a match for the boks in my opinion… think the goal is to develop a team that goes hulk mad and smashes everyone to bits… all the time.

[@naidoo307]

@@FundiWaStimanot sure ……..with a rising tide in the North and a strong Bok setup laden with young talent ………….razor will have to scout well in the pacific islands ! 😮😊

[@Formakiwi]

Their academy is responsible for a lot of their success. Even Todd Blackadder, a rugby coach (and player) of profound ordinaryness, was able to reach a Super Rugby final and semifinals with the Crusaders. Robertson has had a quite exceptional run with them, but ask yourself: if he'd been coaching the Highlanders, would they have won as many titles, or any?

[@RRTNZ]

@@Formakiwi Maybe not. But the Coach makes a big difference. How many years did the Hurricanes have the world's best outside backline but couldn't make to an SR final? Both the Blues and the Canes have excelled at underutilising talent. Razor also won an Under 20s rugby world cup. It's fair to say that the Crusaders organisation are probably one of the best in the world, but it takes a special kind of coach to fully utilise that potential. Robbie Deans could, and look how he struggled with the Australian system... Or lack thereof.

[@kurupt7154]

@@Formakiwiwhat did Blackadder win with all the greats at his disposal? STFU

[@murraysmith595]

He Has a tough ask first up with South Africa hosting both RC clashes.

[@Marius_vanderLubbe]

He should have been coach 4 years ago.

[@TwoCentsRugby]

Yeah I think the NZ Rugby board I think found him a bit eccentric, they're more used to grumpy old fellas 😅

[@schnickeringhen]

I reckon the extra four years probably helped him. NZR weren’t ready for his quirkiness or this level of change back then, eh.

[@Formakiwi]

Anyone else would've read the writing on the wall, and split for other opportunities. He could've (and should've) gone overseas, coached in Europe, honed his knowledge in a different environment like Schmidt, Cotter, Gatland and others. But no, he stayed in his Christchurch comfort zone, content with beating the weakest opposition that Super Rugby has ever offered, steadily undermining the existing management and playing the media game to portray himself as the coach in waiting. His own protégés were among the worst performers in Foster's first years in charge, with Taylor, Mo'unga, Havili, Blackadder, Bower, Bridge and Moody all being repeatedly shown up by European opposition. His own Crusaders side, unbeaten domestically that year, were the worst-performing of the midweek teams against the touring B&I Lions in 2017, his star-studded Barbarians team lost by 70 points to fucking Harlequins of all teams, and his second year in charge of the under 20s resulted in a pool-stage exit from the world championship, one of their worst results ever. It all suggests a coach who is more style, and carefully selected assistants, than substance. 20 years ago John Mitchell became a laughing stock for his new-age language of "journeys" and his corporatised coaching structure (which has now become standard). It remains to be seen if "Razor", with his campaign themes, clownish dance moves and often breathtaking arrogance, will be similarly remembered when he fails to deliver the new dawn that so many are promising he will.

[@Marius_vanderLubbe]

Meds time.@@Formakiwi

[@ChrisBrown-or8ky]

Very big job but happy he has the role. Selection by committee sounds very weird. Is that his choice or an nzru directive? Still very concerned about SR and NZ rugby in general

[@TwoCentsRugby]

Yeah with a couple of former Super Rugby head coaches becoming assistants, maybe that was part of the deal? A bit of autonomy? Or maybe just Razor thinking outside the box?

[@johnstevens282]

A camel is a horse, designed by a committee

[@trailrunningexperience496]

I think Leon, Alphie, Razor will have had same thoughts on the player stand down during super. Not sure if I’m reality they played it the same last year. My observation is that Rieko for example had lots more game minutes than Ardie and Scotty B for example.

[@TwoCentsRugby]

Reeks apparently had 1073 SR minutes in 14 games, Ardie 913 in 12 and Dog Roll 1160 in 15

[@trailrunningexperience496]

@@TwoCentsRugby ok Interesting - I remember before the blues crusaders game cantabbs complaining that reeks hadn’t had a break yet and that the crusaders ab guys weren’t playing enough. Maybe the balance of minutes changed after. At any rate makes sense to be individualised. Sone players are a lot happy playing more often than being on a leash fir too long.

[@JKMeZmA]

Did you see those rumours for the SRU trying to pinch Fergus Burke? Bit of a wild one eh? He’s a solid player, but also why? Russell, Hastings, Kinghorn, Healey & Thompson already, and potentially Fin Smith too? Bit mad game that huh to try get more? On the other stuff, so excited for this new era and to see how the ABs change. As a Scot, it’s extremely interesting to me as you get to see what one of the sharper edges of the sword looks like as it moves ya know, with how trends often come from New Zealand, and you can imagine Razor has some innovations up his sleeve

[@TwoCentsRugby]

Yeah man of all the positions to be looking to strengthen it seems an odd one to target....

[@RuggaDebugger]

win or loose you gotta stand behind ya team.

[@bradleycooper1609]

Gloucester could do with a NZ coach they lost nine matches in row send one over 2cents please 🏉🏉🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🧐

[@Formakiwi]

I hear Ian Foster's still on the market...

[@mdj7268]

The super rugby side of things will be interesting. There shouldn't have to be a worry about player management in my opinion. You play the AB players in derbies and work on depth the rest of the time. The level of competition is getting so bad, mostly due to Australia, so there's no need to play the top guys against any of those teams. Another thing in SR that I reckon will show the potential of Razor, before he even fields his first team, would be the performance of the saders. Who's their new coach btw? Local media is shocking as far news and sports news go. The selection committee is a tricky one. I hope he's just saying that to sound democratic in some way. I'm sure you've seen the movie Invincible. Greg Kinnear's character faced the hardship of selecting an Eagles team based on "committee" but ultimately he is the head coach and he has the vision. Anywho, looking forward to seeing this new era. This can only be good for rugby! As Beardo Benjo once said, a rising tide lifts all boats.

[@TwoCentsRugby]

Yeah you'd think that ultimately it's Razor's vision, but he was really talking up the "ownership" of selection by each of the coaches. Maybe it's because guys like MacDonald and Holland were head coaches in their old roles?

[@mdj7268]

@@TwoCentsRugby Makes sense. Still true what you said about too much soup in the kitchen makes your pizza soggy...or something like that. The Boks went through a self destruction period in the early 2000's due to selection policies and too many selectors. Two distinct visions/objectives killed what was such a great era leading up to it.

[@TwoCentsRugby]

Yeah man that's why this one is an interesting one aye - instead of a comprise overall 23, it's a 23 made up of 5 different selection groups - hopefully they'll all on the same page and select towards the same vision....

[@salomiodendaal4473]

All information about coaches and teams are in the rugby section of the sport pages.

[@brianharvey9765]

I reckon the selection policy might have to do with spreading responsibility for All Black performance across the coaching staff so that he isn’t as soft of a target as Fozzy ended up becoming. Razor seems to be controlling media perceptions already which is intelligent.

[@user-se6md9ks5d]

However selections are made, there are sure to be noticeable changes, especially since Robertson is an innovative maverick who will want to reshape the All Blacks in his own image. Recent history shows that new All Black head coaches are willing to shake things up. Here's the last team under Graham Henry, at the 2011 WC final against France: Woodcock, Mealamu, O. Franks, Thorn, Whitelock, Kaino, McCaw, Read, Weepu, Cruden, Kahui, Nonu, C. Smith, Jane, Dagg. Reserves: Hore, B. Franks, A. Williams, Ellis, Donald, S.B. Williams. Now here's Steve Hansen's first team months after he took over from Henry: Woodcock, Hore, O. Franks, Whitelock, Retallick (debut), Vito, McCaw, Read, A. Smith (debut), Carter, J. Savea (debut), S.B. Williams, C. Smith, Guilford, Dagg. Reserves: Elliot, B. Franks, A. Williams, Weepu, Cruden, B. Smith. Here Hansen's lineup in the 2019 WC semi against England, the penultimate game for Hansen as head coach: Moody, Taylor, Laulala, Retallick, Whitelock, S. Barrett, A. Savea, Read, A. Smith, Mo’unga, Bridge, Lienert-Brown, Goodhue, Reece, B. Barrett. Reserves: Tu’ungafasi, Coles, Ta’avao, Tuipulotu, Cane, Perenara, S.B. Williams, J. Barrett. And here's Ian Foster's first team, months after taking over from Hansen: Moody, Taylor, Tu’ungafasi, Tuipulotu, Whitelock, Frizell, Cane, A. Savea, A. Smith, Mo’unga, Bridge, Goodhue, Ioane, J. Barrett, McKenzie. Reserves: Coles, Tu’inukuafe, Lomax, Vaa’I (debut), Sotutu (debut), Perenara, Lienert-Brown, Clarke (debut).

[@TwoCentsRugby]

Interesting mate! Razor mentioned wanting to keep a bit of consistency too so it'll be interesting to see which direction he goes in

[@gawk_gawk_3000]

I hope so it either gonna go extremely well ur turn 2 shit but I like the new young vibes and energy he brings

[@freelancerconverse4413]

It’s gonna be a tough season for the new look ABs with all the retirements and new coach.

[@TwoCentsRugby]

Definitely a rebuilding year mate

[@trharding]

The question I’m interested in seeing answered is whether our domestic system is good enough to output a coach that can beat the world. If Razor doesn’t win it’s an indictment of the system that he was clearly dominating rather than the man.

[@gezzarandom]

I think the committee selection method is risky as it could lead to clashes of opinion. Would it be better having one guy in complete control of selection?

[@TwoCentsRugby]

I guess he'll give them the direction he's looking for and they'll be expected to pick accordingly, hopefully everyone is one the same page!

[@williamforsyth-ye4rc]

From an outsider's pov. I reckon the AB's will really prosper under The Razor! My only concern is the "Selection by Committee" Will he just blame his co-selectors, for poor performances? Will he throw players under the bus for not winning games? His passed MO. suggests not, but I find it strange he, personally would instigate such measures.......... Maybe he's just being really smart, by giving it a go, then saying "it's not working, I'm gonna pick the team exclusively?............ only time will tell......

[@mikedaley4558]

Regarding selection, Razor has worked with some of these people before. They must know how he runs things. If he had similar system with Crusaders it must work.

[@TwoCentsRugby]

Yeah I wondered about that too - I guess it's just a much bigger pool to pick from compared to a 40 odd man Super squad

[@mikedaley4558]

If he can transfer his Crusaders ideas/game plan to ABs it should be interesting to see the outcome. He'll have a whole pool of players to make it happen, plus he's worked with some of the players and coaching staff. Good to see Wayne Smith involved.

[@dionsands3113]

Scott will have the final decision

[@jackdarby8904]

Not a fan of selection by committee, but the rest of kit sounds quite exciting. Robertson brings fresh ideas and thinking which NZ needs.

[@goldenak25]

I would love it if there is a new law called the Mounga Clause or something similair going forward lol!

[@iluvmusicqwe]

Don't think Mounga is worth chancing policies for.

[@Formakiwi]

​@@iluvmusicqwedidn't cut it in 2019, didn't cut it in 2023, ain't gonna cut it in 2027.

[@iluvmusicqwe]

@@Formakiwiyup he's very good but he's not a big game player

[@goldenak25]

@@iluvmusicqwe @Formakiwi good thing its Razor making a call on Moungas worth and not you 2 armchair critics, i dont see any other 10 in the country that has the qualities needed for this AB era

[@shortMario]

Something does not smell right .. I call smoke and where there is smoke there is a dumpster fire

[@kiwinp]

I'm a big fan of the targeted work load on players, some players need to keep playing to keep themselves at the top let, some need to have a smaller work load to keep them at there best Picking overseas players, I'm not a fan of, I feel it would be bad for rugby in NZ, I feel that it will devalue the Jersey.and if they play in Europe who can guarantee that the clubs will release those players, the island nations have massive issues with getting there best players for international games outside of world cup years Maybe I'm a traditionalist in a away, if you want to play for the abs you do the hard yards in nz

[@eddyandrews3962]

Also Roigarth to start at 9

[@goldenak25]

foster stick proding came after 2 years of crap results though... lol, give it a year, reflect then give it 2 for razor to see if he has rebuilt the AB mana

[@honahwikeepa2115]

Lads need to harden up. Razor should do this. Lot more agro and physicality in the contact area. Earn back some respect.

[@TwoCentsRugby]

Him and Jason Ryan picking the forwards, yeah should be physical!

[@salomiodendaal4473]

Absolutely agree. Be less naive (especially in the forwards) and keep the foot on the throat - even when 30 points ahead.

[@nealgarner6431]

Will he get them to breakdance instead of the haka

[@TwoCentsRugby]

Maybe if they win 😅

[@riaansnyman8747]

Would you say he’s going the same line as Rassie and Nienaber route…

[@KekeHimona]

Robertson doesn’t follow others.

[@kurosakiichigo9545]

I hope Razor could do a good job by not selecting oversea based players. Surely it would do dirty to those loyal players in Super. Ntm Super actually have numerous talents.

[@Formakiwi]

No world class locks in NZ. Scott Barrett is a converted loose forward and hasn't the height or line-out skill to compete with the best second-rowers out there. Front row is weak too: De Groot and Lomax are solid but behind them it's pretty thin, with Newell being strong but small and unagile, and Williams being huge but surprisingly not as powerful as his size suggests. Centre, five-eighth, blindside are all question-marks, with no obvious answers presenting themselves. Jordie Barrett and Reiko Ioane are both converted outside backs playing in the middle, and neither packs the physical wallop of a Jess Kriel, Manu Tuilagi or even Bundi Aki. MacKenzie is not a test level flyhalf, Beauden Barrett hasn't shown form there in years, and Mo'unga didn't cut it in 2019 or 2023, so does anyone genuinely think he'd be the answer in 2027, at the age of 32 and having played soft Japanese club rugby for three years? Whether Kiwi fans realize it or not, the golden era of All Black dominance is dead. They'll still alwaysbe a tough opponent, but the expectation, cultivated over decades of unrivaled success in the sport, of perpetual superiority is long gone and ain't coming back, no matter how much blind faith is placed in the coach. We don't have the players, we don't have the resources and we don't have the humility to recognize when we've been overtaken. But we're sure gonna have to learn in the next few years, that I can tell you.

[@kurosakiichigo9545]

@@Formakiwi Nah the dominance is still there. But the expectation & hype are too high this time around. Agreed on your point for the tight 5s. Definitely need to build up skills & chemistry quicker.

[@onosaiprime361]

Nah, it is age of the couch potato kids are not the same as before.. slowly diluting..

[@andrewharris1837]

Do the Allblacks play anyone for 6 months when go South africa?😊

[@TwoCentsRugby]

Yeah it's that weird point where he's started work but there's no game for half a year 😅

[@christopherminto8209]

If that’s really how the AB teams are going to be picked it tells you the captain is a loose forward.

[@eddyandrews3962]

Hope he selects Jordan at fullback ths year

[@jpfowlds5921]

As a South African the prospect of the rassie vs razor battle this year will be great to see. Razor is good but Rassie has won 2 wcs. So he'll have his work cut out for him

[@robertobetta9602]

14 vs 15, was that fair play?

[@gazcott]

This ain't world cup 😂

[@pita3908]

SR getting a very easy run.. the media has been horrible to Foster and his AllBlacks, they don't ask SR the hard questions.. .

[@dionsands3113]

Ian was losing big time and warranted press scrutiny

[@TwoCentsRugby]

Be interesting to see how hard/easy the go on Razor if the ABs drop a game or two

[@Samizouza]

Not surprised at NZRU standing firm as ever on the "No Overseas Players" policy despite Razor being keen on a "Carter Law" here with the busy work he's been doing since day 1. I'm still eager that they involve Japan for a "Champions Cup" Asia-Pacific version between League One and SR with the amount of players heading over for sabbaticals and after world cups. Razor himself is definitely more democratic on his approach with the coaching staff he's selected and how he's getting them involved more on squad selections. And not surprising if the Wallabies go through another year without old "Bledsy" despite appointing new RA officials after ousting McClownen and losing Nawaqanitawase to league.

[@TwoCentsRugby]

Yeah it'll be interesting to see how much wiggle room Razor is given - if any

[@mhoppy6639]

England took the easy way out getting Borthwick. They should have broken the bank and gone for SR. But if the nz job was available then he would be a fool to turn down the chance to coach your own country. We will see what transpires… can’t wait to see how nz play with him in charge though. But hope they don’t get it together before they come to England! Keep it up mark it’s great getting content from down there!

[@markreynolds6220]

y wuldnt razor and fozzy nt gt along?

[@TwoCentsRugby]

Why can't we all just get along eh? 😅

[@markreynolds6220]

didnt thnk razzor wuld b thth type of fella? @@TwoCentsRugby

[@AgentMoray]

I think everyone took it easy on Fozzie... Until he lost that first game.

[@avi8ordude]

They had had enough of the Hansen style era, Fozzie was more of the same but less successful, and given that a highly successful coach that was fit, brought energy, and above all communicated well, was just left sitting out of the boys club… fans got rightful,y indignant.

[@jacqloock]

Bring back Fozzy! The man was hard done by. 🇿🇦

[@michaelmoynihan9591]

No matter who the allblack s have .they are on demise. I blame too much consumption of wool😂😂

[@naidoo307]

Three things will always be guaranteed in Nz 1) it will almost always be cloudy and rainy 2) all talented South Pacific rugby union players will be poached 3) AB,fans are mostly bad losers and cry for months after losing a game !😮 😢😢. 😂

[@TwoCentsRugby]

Full sun today ;)

[@naidoo307]

Climate change mate !😂” Almost always ! “

[@gazcott]

Electricity every day.

[@naidoo307]

@@gazcott yes mate if u pay your bills u will get electricity keep it up ! 😮😂😂or u can be smart and invest in a solar system with inverter and battery and not pay anything …………that’s if u lucky enough to get enough sun ☀️! 😮😂