NEW ZEALAND HEAD coach Scott Robertson said Thursday that assistant coach Leon MacDonald left his staff on the eve of their Rugby Championship Tests in South Africa due to a clash of coaching styles.
Robertson and MacDonald mutually agreed to part ways after discussions about their working approach, New Zealand Rugby said.
“Leon and I have been having some honest conversations with each other for a little while now. As coaches, we have differing views and both agreed it wasn’t working,” Robertson said in a statement.
MacDonald left after just five games under Robertson, who took charge of the All Blacks this year following erratic results under predecessor Ian Foster.
Robertson told reporters in Auckland that the differences quickly become obvious to both parties.
“Over the period of time since we started coaching together, we just feel like it hasn’t quite clicked,” Robertson added.
“We haven’t lined up where we need to on the rugby side of it.”
The All Blacks boss said the pair differed on their “philosophy on rugby”, but refused to divulge details of the split.
“There was no intent to get to the point where we are now, but we just believe for both of us, as for the All Blacks group, is to make the call now.
“We never thought it would get to this point – but it has.”
Robertson said he discussed the matter with the players after the decision was made.
New Zealand’s tour of South Africa will be the first time the teams have met since the Springboks beat the All Blacks 12-11 in last year’s World Cup final, Foster’s final game in charge.
MacDonald leaves the All Blacks as they prepare to fly to South Africa for Tests against the world champions in Johannesburg on August 31 and Cape Town on September 7.
“Leon’s a good man and a good coach. Sometimes things just don’t click,” Robertson added.
“There’s a huge amount of respect and appreciation for Leon in the group and the work he’s put in to get us to this point in our journey.
“As a team we have acknowledged that contribution and our focus now needs to be on South Africa, it’s going to be two tough Test matches over there.”
MacDonald’s duties will be taken over by assistant coach Scott Hansen and contact skills coach Tamati Ellison, New Zealand Rugby said.
Defending champions New Zealand are second in The Rugby Championship table behind South Africa.
The All Blacks enjoyed a win and suffered a shock defeat to Argentina in two recent home Tests against Los Pumas. South Africa are unbeaten after back-to-back away wins against Australia.
A World Cup with Ronaldo, Messi, Suarez etc. is always worth watching.
For the good Suarez can be I think we will be remembering for his antics more than for his football achievements. I wouldn’t use him as positive I’d rather have ibrahimavic than him.
I’ll never forgive that sc*mbag for what he did to Ghana. One of the biggest injustices ever at the World Cup. He’s a fine player, but has the moral compass of a gouger.
What he did to Ghana? Lol
If he had your attitude he would now be a postman. That game wasn’t a kick about in the park, Suarez was playing for his country and wanted to win at all costs, what he did was understandable.
While Portugal are the better team, I will miss Zlat next year. He’s a phenomenal player and always entertaining to watch.
He’s a brilliant player and I honestly think that he’s just taking the piss with the funny comments he comes out with. For example in one sentence he says the world cup won’t be good without him and then in another sentence he says the better team by far won the game. He’s just a very funny character I think and loves playing up to the camera!
Absolute hero…….we should all take a leaf out of his book.Speaks his mind and gives zero f**cks…..i will concede that earning the gazillions he does helps his devil may care attitude…..still a Legend
One thing is for certain, the World Cup would have been a better place with Ibrahimovic in it.
The World Cup is not a place it’s a tournament.
A humble chap all the same!!
is he really an arrogant pr*ck or does the media just lead him into the kind of statements? if he is so great then why not play in one of the elite leagues in Europe?
His record in Spain and Italy, goals scored and trophies collected is phenomenal. Top player, be a shame not to see him in the World Cup but as the big man said himself, Sweden were beaten by the better team.
A World Cup without Ibra is not worth watching?? I remember watching the World Cup in 2010 and it was definitely worth watching!
He should have thought of that last Friday before kick off in Lisbon.
Wont be worth watching without Ireland in it you mean :) We would have took over brazil with our green colours.Time to support mexico now