Shortlist Of 26

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Scott Robertson rumored to be going off to France. The list has shrunk somewhat over the past month or so as some have retired.

The All Black rugby team will have a new coach in December according to the New Zealand Rugby Union. A short list of just 26 candidates is not a short list and who are they trying to kid. If you aren't sure and don't know what you are doing then maybe you would have a list that long. If I was an All Black fan or player it sends the wrong signal.

Ian Foster is the number two coach for the current team since Steve Hansen retired leaving the main coaching role vacant. If the number two is no good then it is also a slap in his face as he has surely been groomed to take over the vacant position. If he doesn't get the nod then why was he number two in the first place is what I would be asking.

New Zealand are blessed by having some great coaches running their Super Franchise teams and all fall under the NRFU and not the franchise itself. This set up is different to most other countries and is one of the reasons why the national team has had such a decent run over the last few decades.
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Ian Foster must be the favorite and see no reason why they are even doing this process.

Personally I think there are possibly two or three that should be on the list if Ian Foster doesn't get the position. It looks highly unlikely he will with a list that long unless it is just a bluff. I think Scott Robertson will get the position if Ian Foster isn't promoted as he is the kind of character they need. John Plumtree will also be in the mix as he has been around the block having coached in South Africa (Natal) and Wales (Swansea). I personally know John having played against him at club level and seeing him a few times whilst coaching the Sharks. He doesn't suffer fools lightly and would make a great assistant to whoever gets the role.

The All Blacks are what I would call going into a rebuilding phase now having lost their coach and their captain Kieran Read. They are no longer the unbeatables and have become beatable and don't see them as the side they once were. England and South Africa are top of the pile currently with a few other sides going to push over the next 4 years trying to get within touching distance of the top two or three. France is definitely a side to look out for and expect to see them climb the rankings within two years.

Over the last few seasons we have seen more of the Pacific Island players playing in other countries besides New Zealand and qualifying for Wales,England and France. These players would normally have found their way into the All Black jersey at some point as that is how that region works. All Blacks as a first choice for Tongans,Samoans and Fijians then their own country. Finances are behind this and you can't blame the players . Will this trend continue or will the Rugby Union try and assist the smaller countries after what Japan did recently.

New Zealand relies heavily on these players and they have made up a decent sized portion of most All Black teams in the past. It would be good to see an All Black team back at full strength as when they are strong it pushes all the other teams to another level. They have until June next year before the Rugby Championship starts with South Africa ,Australia and Argentina to get their house in order.



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So are they basically just getting rid of him because he lost? I don't really feel like this has been a long time coming like it might have been for some other teams. The fact that he got his team to the finals is pretty impressive despite the loss. Plus their past track record seems to speak for itself.

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No Steve Hansen announced he was stepping down no matter what. He has been at the helm for two World Cups and it is right someone else gets a chance. The problem I have is the second in charge is going to have to be interviewed along with all the others when they know already if he is good enough. Surely there is no need for this process and is a slap in the face to him. If I was second in line and they did this to me I would tell them to stick it.

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