Sir Wayne Smith has delivered a frank response to Scott Robertson’s departure from the All Blacks, offering his honest views on the harsh realities of modern coaching.
Smith has been operating in a Performance Coach role for New Zealand Rugby throughout Robertson’s tenure as All Blacks coach, overseeing and contributing to the leadership of both the All Blacks and the Black Ferns.
Recognised as one of the great minds of the game, ‘The Professor’ expressed plenty of sympathy for Robertson and described his coaching unit as “extremely competent”, also acknowledging they were still finding their feet two years into the job.
“It’s a tough old gig when 76% isn’t good enough. They obviously feel that the win percentage wasn’t going to improve, although that is just guesswork,” he said in a statement sent to 1News.
“The All Blacks’ history demands high standards, a winning attitude and innovation.
“Coaching in this environment is becoming more and more challenging. Egos abound, 76% win records are no longer enough.”
The most pointed part of the statement was when Smith spoke on the nature of season reviews and the player feedback involved. He also mentioned the harsh voices on social media.
“Disaffected players speak behind your back and get to rubbish you, incognito, during end-of-campaign reviews,” he said.
“Social media, hidden behind nicknames and alter egos, can tear you apart without remorse.”
Sir Wayne emphasised the need to balance the enduring expectations of the All Blacks to be the world’s best with the patience needed to build the team up to that level of success.
“It takes time to settle on your way, and you just pray that you get the opportunity to prove yourself over time.
“Looking into the future to determine where the game is going next is critical. Making changes before they are needed is key. Others will copy and force you to keep going ahead.”
Public attention is quickly shifting to New Zealand Rugby’s new hiring process, which began “immediately” after Robertson’s exit.
Smith’s leadership will no doubt be leaned on by whoever is named as Robertson’s replacement, and while the now-ex-coach’s assistants remain in place – and will lead the team through a camp on Sunday – the incoming coach will be free to select their own assistants when appointed.
Sir Wayne’s attention wouldn’t search far beyond the week’s bombshell announcement, though, with the former Rugby World Cup-winning Black Ferns coach clearly emotional about New Zealand Rugby’s decision.
“Unfortunately, Razor hasn’t been given more time, greater opportunity to adapt and overcome many of the challenges new All Blacks coaches face,” Smith said.
“I feel sad about that — for Razor and our game.”