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Benn Robinson fronted the media this week, the day after the worst kept secret in Super Rugby circles was confirmed as Michael Foley left his head coaching position and moved to the Western Force franchise.
The following interview in The Sydney Morning Herald shows a clearly angered Robinson, who is the captain of his NSW team, on the news of Foley’s departure.
For those who do not know the Waratahs bombed out the Super Rugby competition with one of their worst season performances ever, not only on the ladder but also their style of play.
With such a disastrous year how did one the most experienced players in the squad not know that someone would have to take the blame, and unfortunately the coach is often the casualty.
Robinson stated that “it’s a big shock to the players…” Pardon?
Sorry Benn, I’m not buying it; every NSW supporter, commentator and reporter has been questioning Foley’s position and style of coaching all year with continuing pressure on his job and speculation he would move too WA. The players must have buried their heads in the sand a long time ago to not realise what was happening.
Robinson then epitomises what is wrong at the Waratahs by suggesting that the players should effectively choose the next coach.
“It’d be nice for [the Tahs administration] to speak to a few of the key players who might have a fair say or fair influence on how the team should be moving forward,” he said.
In other words the players want to name their coach. That is a pretty big entitlement for a playing group who finished 11th overall.
The soft pre-season at the Waratahs before this Super Rugby campaign has been a big factor in their demise, as the “playing group” or “senior group” or “key player group” or whatever they are calling themselves these days asked Foley for a lighter pre-season regime to keep fresh throughout the year with Wallaby duties very much in mind. Foley did so much to the delight of his players, but later the results would speak for themselves.
Now after the worst season on record this group wishes to effectively pick the coach? Why? So they can have another easy pre-season with no real consequences if they lose? My point being many of the Waratahs were still picked for the Wallabies squad and none were removed from the club.
In my opinion, Robinson has effectively told us exactly what is wrong with the Waratahs; too much power in the playing group, and honestly the next coach should rip them apart to bring them back to earth.
Add to this an administration in shambles with too many fingers in the pie, and we have a pretty dire situation to fix up.
I hope the next coach has a big enough broom for the Waratahs, whenever he may arrive.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.