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VIDEO: Are there cracks in the All Black armour?

The first hints that there's trouble in paradise, according to the Short Ball duo, came in the form of a bombshell dropped Hurricanes coach Chris Boyd .

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It was confirmed this week that struggling Northampton Saints has secured the services of the Super Rugby-winning New Zealand coach, Boyd – who is to become their Director of Rugby next season.

The appointment has caused a stir in New Zealand, where his departure is viewed as the latest loss of coaching talent from the island.

Boyd has said he was left with little option in New Zealand, saying there is basically nowhere for Super Rugby coaches to go in terms of a career path in the country after they've coached a franchise.

"It came down to six or seven [offers]," Boyd said, adding: "Once you get to Super Rugby head coach in New Zealand there's nowhere really to go.

"It is an issue potentially for New Zealand rugby, the experience and intellectual property which ends up overseas."

He also made comments which suggest a strained relationship with All Black head coach Steve Hansen.

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At a press conference following the announcement, Boyd was asked had he spoken with anyone in the All Blacks hierarchy regarding the switch.

"I haven't spoken to Steve Hansen in three years so nothing changes in that space."

That little clanger caused more than just a stir and is at the core of the Short Ball team's debate.

By Ian Cameron, RugbyPass

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