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It was a hug week in the rugby world…after all, how often does a New Zealand head coach get sacked? That’s what’s happened to Scott Robertson who never fully convinced in the role, despite a 74 percent win ratio.
It was a hug week in the rugby world…after all, how often does a New Zealand head coach get sacked? That’s what’s happened to Scott Robertson who never fully convinced in the role, despite a 74 percent win ratio.
Who will be next, and where will Robertson go now are two questions that immediately spring up.
North of the equator, the final round of pool matches took place in the Investec Champions Cup and the EPCR Challenge Cup, with teams scrapping for the top two spots and a home draw in the round of 16.
It produced some dramatic rugby, and some even better soundbites.
There was also the ongoing build up to Super Rugby Pacific and wins for South Africa women and Canada’s men at the HSBC SVNS 3 in Dubai.
Here’s what made music to ATR ears this week…
“We’ve taken an extensive look at the team’s progress on and off the field and have subsequently had discussions with Scott on the way forward. Both NZR and Scott agree it is in the best interests of the team that he depart his role as Head Coach.”
New Zealand Rugby chair David Kirk gives Scott Robertson the heave ho:
“We’re completely open. We’re going to cast the net wide. We’re going to get as many people as we can. We think coaching the All Blacks is the greatest rugby coaching role in the world.”
Kirk is not writing anyone’s chances off just yet:
“There was definitely no revolt. The players were very measured and thoughtful in their responses. It’s very unfair to say that Ardie (Savea) somehow led something, not at all.”
Kirk again, downplaying rumours of an Ardie-led player revolt:
“We had a bit of hunger for this game. We wanted the home knockout stages in the Champions Cup, so that was a big thing for us, and we came out flying.”
It’s home comforts till the semis for Bath’s Alfie Barbeary and his teammates:
“I hope today we changed our picture because we've played different at home, but today we played well and I hope we keep going like this.”
Don’t be coy, Juan Brex, Toulon are starting to bubble:
“Damian scares everyone. He's so unpredictable. That's also his greatest strength. He's a world-class player, but we also know that sometimes his brain switches off, but we deal with it.”
Bordeaux-Begles captain Maxime Lamothe (kind of) sings Damien Penaud’s praises:
“Pain in the backside? My missus would say the same thing. We just want to be the hardest working team on the field and that’s what you’ve got to do sometimes, be a bit of a pain in the arse.”
Exeter Chiefs flanker Ethan Roots reveals what makes him so effective:
“It was definitely a game we earmarked at the start of the campaign that we wanted to get our teeth into. I thought the minute we set foot in La Rochelle, the excitement we had and then seeing it build with all the Quins fans travelling across made this one really special.”
It wasn’t just the Atlantic Ocean Harlequins’ Marcus Smith felt in the air in La Rochelle:
“It's very sombre. It's Tadhg Beirne's 100th game. He's a legend at the club and gives his heart and soul. There's not just disappointment for not pushing through the Champions Cup but not getting the job done for a warrior like that.”
Munster head coach Clayton McMillan sums up the mood at Thomond Park:
“It’s reasonably big shoes to fill but I don’t think I won’t be able to do it. I’m not going to try and copy Noah in terms of the way he played the game. I’m going to try and bring my own elements to it.”
Tane Edmed isn’t fazed by filling Noah Lolesio’s shoes at the Brumbies:
“I broached the idea with him at the end of the season last year. It was a bit of a shock to him, but he went away and thought about it, and then when I rang him up before the season started and before we started preseason, he’d had a good talk about it, and we had a good talk about it, and he was adamant that he was ready for it.”
Moana Pasifika coach Tana Umaga has no doubt that Miracle Faiilagi will step up as captain:
“It’s not clear on his return but we’re definitely looking at the middle of the Six Nations.”
Cardiff coach Corniel van Zyl reveals that Taulupe Faletau won’t be ready for the opening rounds:
“This has been the hardest decision of my life so far because Sale is the club that I grew up supporting and dreaming of playing for. Playing here since I was 15 has been an amazing experience and a privilege that has shaped me as a player and a person. It goes without saying that I will give everything I have for the rest of the season to bring success to Sale.”
Raffi Quirke isn’t downing tools after swapping Sale Sharks for Newcastle Red Bulls:
“My leg didn’t catch, it was in a compromising angle, and it just popped out. I knew something wasn’t right and there was this overwhelming amount of pain. I looked down. My right leg was straight. My left quad was straight, but the lower part of my left leg was absolutely dislocated. I couldn’t even tell you what was going on. It looked like I had two kneecaps.”
Canada sevens captain Lockie Kratz remembers the injury that left him out of the sport for 22 months:
“He’s taking the chance like I did to come over here and mine worked out so I don’t see why he won’t. I’m very confident in him and I’m sure he’ll do great things.”
Tom Lynagh sees no reason brother Nic can’t follow his route from London to a Queensland Red shirt: