New All Blacks coach Scott Robertson has long-standing links with the Crusaders but insists that this will not influence selection decisions.
The 49-year-old built a dynasty with the Christchurch team before finally getting the opportunity to take up the New Zealand head coaching role after the Rugby World Cup.
Robertson took up the role at the Crusaders in 2017 after successive spells with Canterbury and New Zealand Under-20.
Remarkable success
He then led the team to seven Super Rugby title wins over the next seven seasons before stepping down at the end of the 2023 season.
His coaching role comes after seven years as a player with the Crusaders from 1996 to 2003.
As a result, Robertson was asked in an interview with Sky Sports NZ whether he was worried about prejudice against his former club.
The interviewer was referring to former All Blacks head coach John Hart, who served as manager from 1996 to 1999, who was accused of favouring Auckland during his time as manager.
“Selecting the best players for the All Blacks, that's the important part,” the new head coach replied.
Robertson then revealed his management philosophy and how he tries to get everyone on the same page, adding: “One of the foundations of being a good coach is being a good player selector and talent manager.”
“You don't work for me, you work with me, you work for us, you serve each other. The management, their selection and the players, it's really important.”
“And for a coaching staff, having people that are going to challenge you, love you, hug you, have great conversations with you and help you get better and connect is absolutely paramount.”
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The All Blacks connection
As well as being a well-known Cantabrian, Robertson is also a former All Black, making 23 appearances for his national team between 1998 and 2002.
He played in the 1999 Rugby World Cup but missed out before moving to Perpignan four years later.
The 49-year-old believes his ties with the national team keep him in check when it comes to international selection and the various cultural intricacies of the position.
“Being part of the All Blacks has helped me, I understand my role and my responsibilities and I understand the legacy part with those who have come before me and done great things, whether it's wearing the red and black jersey or the black jersey,” he said.
“I expressed my gratitude and told them how proud I am to be a part of and represent such a great organization. Now my role has changed; it's similar in many ways, but much bigger.”
Robertson is due to name the first All Blacks squad ahead of the England Series final at the end of the Super Rugby Pacific season on June 22.
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