Israel Dagg insists Scott Robertson is not doing things that differently from previous All Blacks coaches amid concerns that he is not actually in charge.
It was reported in the New Zealand Herald that Robertson told them it is Scott Hansen who “effectively operates in the role most would recognise as the head coach.”
That sparked concern from observers, which led to New Zealand Rugby being forced to clarify matters, and Dagg admitted that the All Blacks boss could have phrased it better.
‘Put some context on it’
“Razor would probably want to rephrase it and put some context on it. I’ve played rugby for 15 years, and the assistant coach was always the one who was leading the conversations, always leading the game plan and that was leading the training throughout the week,” he said on Sport Nation’s Scotty and Izzy show.
“When you are the CEO, you are making calls on standards, the environment and you’re trying to keep all of the pieces in the right places on the board.”
The former back three star has experience of playing under the 51-year-old at the Crusaders and also for New Zealand under Sir Graham Henry and Sir Steve Hansen.
Dagg therefore has knowledge of several different environments, including the hugely successful All Blacks side between 2011 and 2015.
He insists that it is not unusual for the assistants to take control of training and other elements of preparation, with the head coach acting as the overseer.
Assistant taking command
“Brad Mooar led us in 2017 [at the Crusaders], he was the one that was leading everything. Tabai Matson and Aaron Mauger were doing all of the conversations when Toddy Blackadder was there.
“Ian Foster coached me throughout most of my career in the ABs, he did all of the coaching. Steve would wander around and would give you a few little growlings here or there, and make sure the bus is rolling in the right direction.
“It’s been taken way out of context that situation.”
Robertson finds himself under pressure after an underwhelming couple of seasons in charge, where he has overseen seven defeats in total.
The All Blacks have also failed to win the Rugby Championship title in 2024 and 2025, having lifted the trophy every year with Foster at the helm.
A New Zealand Rugby review is currently underway following their mixed campaign with the outcome being revealed at the end of January.
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