I thought Ardie Savea’s supportive comments of Coach Foster were interesting, on a Secret Life of Pronouns level (that’s a book very worth reading). He said things like “We back our coach” (it would be crazy if the players didn’t say that publicly), and “Thats my coach.” He said these words with a smile, and with well-mustered enthusiasm, but the words themselves were unremarkable. They were not the words that a Crusaders player, for example, might use to praise Robertson. If asked, I bet they’d pour the praise on him like melted butter. They wouldn’t be using words like, “We stand with him side by side.” Ardie did a great job of selling that, though, as he should. It’s his job.
Fossie must be feeling quite chuffed with himself - and good on him, he's been through the wringer. Regardless of whether you think he's the right man for the job, he comes out of this with his mana enhanced. I wonder how much of the decision was based on having the best chance to win the World Cup and how much was weighed on self-preservation of the CEO/Board. More of the later I suspect; if they had dumped him then the target would swiftly have moved to them asking why they weren't falling on their swords? Where does this leave us if we drop a match against Argentina?
To your last question: In a really, really awkward place, but maybe not quite as awkward as if they were to lose a couple of games on the end-of-year tour. I sense a real fear at NZR that the north has got away on them, not just in terms of money and resource - which NZ can never compete with - but stylistically and perhaps even the ability to influence officials.
Obviously this is conjecture, but if the ABs were to lose another RC game, they might be able to write it off as bedding in the new coaches and tactics, but if they get rolled by England or Wales, the anxieties will return with interest.
The colloquial and frequent use of addressing each other as Foz & Robbo throughout says a lot. It’s not how an executive team and board address each other, in my view, not when you’re in charge of one of the world’s most famous sporting brands. Robinson (Robbo) has come out looking the worst from this. His body language and admission he could’ve done things better is an indication he’s out of his depth. Good luck to this lot. Hate to say I told you so come November 2023, or earlier.
I've had a few people mention something similar. My F-I-L for one was appalled by Robinson's appearance. I'm guessing it's an attempt to try to be more man-of-the-people, but I tend to agree that tis was a situation that called for a more professional approach.
You're not wrong. This is more down Michael Donaldson's alley on his excellent Substack Friday Night Beers, but if I had to make a Faustian pact that would give me free beer for the rest of my life but I could only choose four brewers it would be: McLeod's, Shining Peak, Liberty and Garage Project.
This is an important theme. If winning at Super Rugby level doesn't mean as much as being an assistant coach for years, what does it say about the worth of the competition. As you imply, there's nothing more Robertson can do at that level. In normal circumstances, even half the success he's had should make him a compelling candidate.
I thought Ardie Savea’s supportive comments of Coach Foster were interesting, on a Secret Life of Pronouns level (that’s a book very worth reading). He said things like “We back our coach” (it would be crazy if the players didn’t say that publicly), and “Thats my coach.” He said these words with a smile, and with well-mustered enthusiasm, but the words themselves were unremarkable. They were not the words that a Crusaders player, for example, might use to praise Robertson. If asked, I bet they’d pour the praise on him like melted butter. They wouldn’t be using words like, “We stand with him side by side.” Ardie did a great job of selling that, though, as he should. It’s his job.
This is an impressively deep dive into what could easily (and in the case foolishly) written off as the banalities of a post-match interview.
Fossie must be feeling quite chuffed with himself - and good on him, he's been through the wringer. Regardless of whether you think he's the right man for the job, he comes out of this with his mana enhanced. I wonder how much of the decision was based on having the best chance to win the World Cup and how much was weighed on self-preservation of the CEO/Board. More of the later I suspect; if they had dumped him then the target would swiftly have moved to them asking why they weren't falling on their swords? Where does this leave us if we drop a match against Argentina?
To your last question: In a really, really awkward place, but maybe not quite as awkward as if they were to lose a couple of games on the end-of-year tour. I sense a real fear at NZR that the north has got away on them, not just in terms of money and resource - which NZ can never compete with - but stylistically and perhaps even the ability to influence officials.
Obviously this is conjecture, but if the ABs were to lose another RC game, they might be able to write it off as bedding in the new coaches and tactics, but if they get rolled by England or Wales, the anxieties will return with interest.
The colloquial and frequent use of addressing each other as Foz & Robbo throughout says a lot. It’s not how an executive team and board address each other, in my view, not when you’re in charge of one of the world’s most famous sporting brands. Robinson (Robbo) has come out looking the worst from this. His body language and admission he could’ve done things better is an indication he’s out of his depth. Good luck to this lot. Hate to say I told you so come November 2023, or earlier.
I've had a few people mention something similar. My F-I-L for one was appalled by Robinson's appearance. I'm guessing it's an attempt to try to be more man-of-the-people, but I tend to agree that tis was a situation that called for a more professional approach.
McLeod's 802 is a superb choice, I must say.
You're not wrong. This is more down Michael Donaldson's alley on his excellent Substack Friday Night Beers, but if I had to make a Faustian pact that would give me free beer for the rest of my life but I could only choose four brewers it would be: McLeod's, Shining Peak, Liberty and Garage Project.
The re-appointment of Ian Foster is much welcomed here in Aus. What more has Razor gotta do?
This is an important theme. If winning at Super Rugby level doesn't mean as much as being an assistant coach for years, what does it say about the worth of the competition. As you imply, there's nothing more Robertson can do at that level. In normal circumstances, even half the success he's had should make him a compelling candidate.