https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/rugby/all-blacks/pressure-builds-on-all-blacks-coaches-as-internal-frustrations-emerge/S45WBKEFEFCY5MFPQJYYX3ZJDE/

The Herald understands feedback from players and staff presents a deeply concerning picture of the All Blacks environment, with multiple sources pointing to widespread internal frustrations.

Two assistant coaches, Leon MacDonald and Jason Holland, voluntarily departing in the last two years sparked red-flag concerns with how the All Blacks are being run. But the fresh, stinging feedback from within – with communication, trust, strategy and selection all believed to have been raised – cannot be ignored.

All teams have unhappy players with selection, but concerns with the All Blacks environment are believed to spread well beyond individuals alone.

Support from senior players proved powerful in Ian Foster retaining his position as All Blacks head coach in 2022 – as the players approached then NZ Rugby chief executive Mark Robinson in his Johannesburg hotel room to strongly voice their views.

This time around, the opposite could be true.

At this stage, NZ Rugby is likely to allow Robertson further time to deliver significant improvements but if the players aren’t satisfied with the initial post-season All Blacks review findings and solutions – which could range from changes in coaching personnel to roles and responsibilities – they may request a second review is conducted.

The Silver Fern

Tim