When you decide to fudge the truth about the simple things, what else aren’t you being honest about?
Does anyone believe things “didn’t quite click’’ between Scott Robertson and Leon MacDonald?
That, having been teammates and coaching partners – and spent at least two years preparing for an ascension to the All Blacks – that they suddenly found their philosophies were incompatible?
We don’t know why MacDonald’s no longer on the coaching staff, because he hasn’t said so. That’s telling enough in itself.
Are New Zealand Rugby (NZR) and Robertson lying about what caused MacDonald’s abrupt departure? It would be a brave man who stated that as fact.
But, in presenting a story with a variety of holes in it, they can’t expect the rest of us to take it as gospel.
I’ve not done communications, myself. But, if I did, I’d advise people that transparency was their best defence.
I’ll commend NZR’s PR team on one thing, and that’s announcing this on the eve of their departure to South Africa for a couple of weeks.
(Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)
With few media in tow, the All Blacks can work away uninterrupted. Heck, if they get a win against the Springboks in one of the two Tests, they can also come home safe in the knowledge that probably no-one will ask about MacDonald ever again.
The news cycle will move on and folk will forget an assistant coach suddenly walked the plank. What’s that now? Three in as many years, not forgetting that John Plumtree and Brad Mooar were abruptly dispatched in 2022.
Who’s hiring these people? Is there any interview process? Does anyone actually check to see if these coaching teams are cohesive or populated by competent people?
I’m sure these coaches depart with a golden handshake, but with what reputational damage to themselves and NZR as well?
In the absence of legitimate explanations, we’re left to speculate about what might have gone on. That’s why a story about longtime friends and colleagues not clicking is completely inadequate in this situation.
Let’s try and take it face value. Let’s believe that Robertson and MacDonald fundamentally disagreed – to the extent that the latter has destroyed his career in at least the short term – about how the All Blacks should play and, presumably, who should get picked.
If we believe that, then we have to assume this has been a team in turmoil. That the team has actually been plodding along okay given the dysfunction behind the scenes.
That, with the dissenting voice now gone from the environment, all opinions are aligned and the team will flourish.
I don’t wish the All Blacks any ill. Nor do I believe they’re incapable of beating the Springboks in the next couple of weeks. Afterall, we saw a not too dissimilar shambles the last time the team was in South Africa.
Following a humbling defeat at Mbombela Stadium, NZR apparently decided it was time to jettison Ian Foster and install Robertson and MacDonald.
It’s said that the players rallied around Foster and convinced the hierarchy he remained the man for the job. The team then turned around and won 35-23 at Ellis Park.
That’s where they now run out on Sunday morning, NZ time.
Events, such as MacDonald’s exit, have a funny way of rallying a team. As does being on foreign soil.
Everyone can circle the wagons, convince themselves the world is against them and rouse themselves for one mighty effort.
The All Blacks definitely have that mighty effort in them.
But win, lose or draw, I won’t suddenly forget that MacDonald left five games into his tenure. That a guy, who would presumably succeed Robertson one day, couldn’t find a way to put philosophy aside and channel his efforts and intellect into seeing the bigger picture.
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(Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)
I don’t know what pushed Robertson and MacDonald’s working relationship to breaking point and I won’t speculate.
But nor can I buy the narrative that a game or two into their All Blacks coaching venture these men suddenly decided they didn’t see eye to eye. That weeks of “robust discussions’’ couldn’t resolve the conflict and one walked away from potentially a decade as an assistant or head coach of the most storied rugby team in the world.
As footballer Roy Keane once said of Manchester United’s explanation for his sacking: “if you believe that, you’ll believe anything.’’
