We have two polarising characters at the forefront of both New Zealand and Australia, what a time to be a supporter of either Country.
Eddie the say it as it is Jones!
After years of frustration and disappointment for Australian supporters they finally have an Australian back as coach, and a coach that understands the culture and values that is required to unite a country more than any current politician can.
He transformed England into a genuine power house by winning and doing everything his own way, he was always under the spotlight by both the administration and the unforgiving media.
Eventually his character and unrelenting attitude towards his employers became too much and he was let go, but by then he was talking with RA about a pathway back to his homeland.
Wallabies coach Eddie Jones looks on during the round two Super Rugby Pacific match between Western Force and Queensland Reds at AAMI Park, on March 05, 2023, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)
He immediately gave insight into how he wanted the game to be transformed and not just the Wallabies, grassroots and reaching out to the Rugby Community was one major factor to regain support and trust from the broader fan base.
Eddie Jones will know that the catalyst for success begins with himself with different policies and strategies to be adopted, this is where he will be communicating with all Super Rugby franchises about being inline and having a strong relationship with him.
He does not have the same issues to worry about as he had with England, mistakes and success will make him more aware and rounded for his second round as head coach of a national team with so much history.
At a time when many have lost faith and left others disillusioned with not just the National team but the game in general, Eddie has the ability to reignite the fire and to bring back the passion that many have been calling for.
The Bledisloe will be the first true test for gauging what direction he is going in, this means that only the players with the ability and understanding will become his regulars.
Many are looking at Jones to become the Messiah, this means that his followers will need to have the faith to follow through the ups and downs.
No doubt that not just in Australia but around the world many will be watching Jones with interest, and none more so than England.
One can only wait for his first interaction with the English media, that in itself will be worth watching.
Australian Rugby fans now have a genuine reason to believe and the show has not yet even begun.
Scott the break dancing Robertson!
Just like with Eddie Jones, NZ have their man, a great person with a likeable smile and humour to boot.
He has kept the Crusaders as the innovators of Super Rugby with results adjoining, he was a natural choice to lead the All Blacks moving forward.
The All Blacks looked clunky and players struggling to adapt to game plans being implemented, supporters voiced their concerns and frustration about what they were witnessing.
NZRU did not help with the way that dealt with appointments as choosing to only promote an assistant into the top job, they finally changed this process by selecting before the RWC to obtain the right candidate.
It is telling that the NZ election is in October and this news about Robertson has had more attention from the public, like with Australia NZ supporters were left dissatisfied previously with results and the way that the All Blacks were not progressing.
Coach Scott Robertson of the Crusaders looks on during the pre-season Super Rugby match between the Hurricanes and the Crusaders on February 02, 2019 in Levin, New Zealand. (Photo by Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images)
Both France and Ireland have become the new New Zealand by transforming the game and becoming power houses as a result, NZ could no longer remain stagnant and have had their hands forced finally.
The Crusaders have a successful academy which Robertson was not afraid to tap into, and I would be surprised that he works with the other academy’s to find future All Black players.
He is an innovator that moves to stay ahead and works with others closely to achieve outcomes, he may love to surf and dance but there is so much more to him.
One of his major strengths is working and gaining positive relationships with his players and colleagues, Robertson knows that everyone needs to be united for success and progression to be achieved.
What a polarising time ahead for both Australian and New Zealander supporters when both of these personalities and great coaches clash, we could not have two different personalities which makes it even more intriguing.
Not just for NZ or Australia but this is great for the game in general, many aspects for all of us to enjoy as time unfolds.
Will Eddie go surfing or break dance with Robertson? Now that would be something to witness, supporters certainly have a lot to look forward to both on and off the field.
Strap yourselves in for what is sure to be one great ride, New Zealand and Australian fans have a lot to believe in so the true test is coming.
Jacko
Roar Rookie
NZ XV is NOT a team that ties you to a nation so irrellivant to this conversation. Whether you get selected or not depends on your contract status. Why do you have to have this repeated to you but you then go off incorrectly again. Its basic stuff.
Muzzo
Roar Rookie
Take your hand off it!!
Brendan NH Fan
Roar Rookie
They will go out and do their best but if he goes down the French route and only takes players u30 I don't think people would be too upset given most of those players would be the ones going for the home WC in 2027. Is it better to take QC (34) or the 10 for the next WC and let him know how it feels. Do you take Nic White or the 9 that will be around for 4 years.
Brendan NH Fan
Roar Rookie
So Scott coaching the BaaBaas to a 40 pt loss to a Quinns team that were missing all their Internationals isn't a worry. That same team with their Internationals failed to make it past the last 16 in Europe and are 8th in the Prem. Never said NZ did have a great history and lots of good players but the facts remain over the last 20 years few coaches have been successful going from Super Rugby to test rugby. Eddie Jones may have been the last one, but even he spend time in Japan before Super Rugby. The game moves on the teams improve. Saying that Super nolonger produces coaches like it use to, should cause more reflection of how you fix it and allow the engine that is NPC to go back producing good coaches, not get upset that you can't come up with the Super Coach who last was succesful as a test coach at one of the T1 nations.
Brendan NH Fan
Roar Rookie
So NZR have different criteria for who can be picked for the A team and they are happy to pick players who while playing in NZ for an NPC team does not quailify for the AB EOYT squad. And that SBW never had the rules bent for him even though he was announced in an AB squad after playing 1 game of NPC. Got it, I guess NZR will let anyone play for the A side, maybe they can use it to lock in players like Laumape if the A team have their own rules to pick players
Brendan NH Fan
Roar Rookie
What about the NZR. Wayne Smith had won two SR titles in the two years prior to taking over the ABs but was not given a contract extension. He came up against the best Oz team possibly ever but losing to them was not seen as acceptable. Let's also not forget he took over a Saders side who finished 12th in 96, 29 points behind the best NZ team as opposed to Scott who took over a team only 4 pts behind the top NZ team. NZ fans right now may say they don't mind losing a few but the last 30 years would seem to imply not winning a WC and losing more than 1-2 games a year is below the acceptable level unless you have previous international experince.
yeah-nah
Roar Rookie
So do I. It will be very a new-look AB team from '24 onwards. I don't expect great things next year, but I do expect to see a team of young enthusiastic players who will improve over time and be moulded into a cohesive unit. Whoever Robertson selects, I trust him to get the best out the players and to have a competitive team come RWC 2027.
Tim J
Roar Rookie
Certainly many questions to be answered, we all live in interesting times indeed. :stoked:
Bluffboy
Roar Rookie
Yep Brendon, that's what all Australian players and fan want, Eddie to write of this World Cup year. And what teams for better domestic leagues are referring too.
Leading Authority
Roar Rookie
The NZ Rugby public will support SR through an initial period of losses because of his exemplary track record at the Crusaders… compared to Foster who had an abysmal win rate at the Chiefs. We all knew Foster would fail. We all know SR will succeed. Comprehend?
Leading Authority
Roar Rookie
The NZ Rugby public will support SR through an initial period of losses because of his exemplary track record at the Crusaders… compared to Foster who had an abysmal win rate at the Chiefs. We all knew Foster would fail. We all know SR will succeed. Comprehend?
CW Moss
Roar Rookie
Foster vs Eddie could be quite even. I wonder how the ABs are going to be cohesive and a tight unit and how we are going to be the same or not. May you live in interesting times :rugby: :stoked:
Tim J
Roar Rookie
I appreciate your feedback CW… The RWC certainly has factors that influences the results as you say, both countries have two coaches that are so different but fighting for the same cause. It should be fun watching as this develops, hopefully both teams can help each other to become powerhouses once again.
CW Moss
Roar Rookie
Enjoyable, thoughtful article; thanks, Tim. With all due modesty, I have an instinct for body language from the press or TV photos. I saw a picture of the NZRU Chairman, Razor and the CEO. It looked to me that the Chair was pleased to have driven Razors appointment, whereas the CEO (Foster ally) was not in favour. Expect Robbo to move on with Fozzie. Anyway, this is about Fast Eddie and Sharp Razor. If they are equal, then it’s about the proverbial cattle. Advantage NZ except in sudden death like the RWC. Wild cards like injuries and referees. Let’s enjoy the ride.
Jacko
Roar Rookie
Yes Brendan it does stop everyone from doing just that. You have a total lack of knowlege of the situation. There is a major difference between a sabatical whilst under NZR contract and a year out from a NZR contract to play in Japan.
Tim J
Roar Rookie
Certainly it will be interesting who the assistants will be for Robertson, he will have more leverage than Jones because of the rebuilding that will be required. I appreciate your response Emery. :thumbup:
Emery Ambrose
Roar Rookie
Cheers Tim, interesting article. I think what it’s going to come down to is assistants, Jones certainly lost a lot when Borthwick left the setup in England. You can sense the Crusaders are different without Ryan there, and as Foster has found out quality of assistants are important at ABs level. I do wonder how long NZ and AU’s grace periods will be.
Brendan NH Fan
Roar Rookie
So what did I say was wrong. SBW only had to play 1 NPC in 2014 to quailify to play for the ABs in 2014. Are the rules to be picked for NZ A different from the ABs. I'll let you ignore facts as you don't seem to be able to understand them
Brendan NH Fan
Roar Rookie
So I guess he will be starting for the ABs so in the RC look forward to seeing him as the starting 10 v France at the WC. Make sure to tell Foster as he might not agree with you. He looked great in the NPC too. In the 72-28 defeat to Quinns (who had no internationals) in Nov 22 he didn't look so clever, neither did his coach without O'Gara.
Muzzo
Roar Rookie
Don’t worry Jacko, this NH clown, knows sfa, about what’s happening in Aotearoa, as far as the game goes!