Springbok leaders weigh in on All Blacks' two-horse coaching race
Whoever takes over as coach of the All Blacks, one thing is certain – they will be a force this year.
That’s the view of former All Blacks flyhalf and current Springbok assistant coach Tony Brown, as New Zealand Rugby closes in on appointing a new head coach following the departure of Scott Robertson.
Robertson’s tenure came to an abrupt end just two years into his four-year deal after a review of the 2025 Test season led by NZ Rugby chairman David Kirk. The decision marked a sudden conclusion to his stint, having succeeded Ian Foster after the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
Since then, New Zealand Rugby has entered a period of significant transition, with the organisation also searching for a new chief executive and filling several other senior roles.
Brown believes clarity is just around the corner.
“Obviously, as it played out, it was very surprising that New Zealand Rugby made a change. They obviously felt that it was required,” Brown told reporters at the SA Rugby headquarters in Plattekloof, Cape Town.
“I think they’re looking at appointing a coach this week at some stage, and I only know as much as you guys.”
There have been a series of interviews, and reportedly, Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph and Japan-based Dave Rennie are the front-runners for the gig.
“It’s obviously between Dave Rennie and Jamie Joseph. They’re both quality coaches, both experienced at the international level, and whoever gets the job, I can guarantee you the All Blacks will be very good this year.”
Brown himself was linked earlier this year with a potential role in the new All Blacks setup ahead of the next World Cup cycle.
However, the former playmaker insists his focus remains firmly on South Africa.
“Haven’t thought about it, to be fair. I’m just going to get through these next two years fully committed to South Africa until after the World Cup, and what will be will be.
“Yeah, I just haven’t really thought about what I’m going to do after the World Cup.”
Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus also shared his assessment of the two candidates – and believes either would be a strong appointment.
“As a South African, coaching against him [Dave Rennie], I think he might get it right at Test match level.
“He just had no mercy for guys – not in a bad way – but driven to get the guys ready for Saturdays.
“I think they even call it Rennie’s time on Thursday, where they had contact on a Thursday before matches. Can you do that in an international squad? I think you can, with the depth New Zealand has.
“Joseph is a little bit older than I am. I’ve played against him, and I think Tony coached him for nine or 10 years in Japan.
“I think he has an aura. Not that Rennie doesn’t. But I think you get coaches in the world, and he still walks into a room, and it gives an aura.
“All the coaches that worked with him say he worked unbelievably hard. Players say they feel comfortable under him.
“I don’t know which one is the right one. But I think both will be great.”
