All Blacks set to beef up coaching ranks to improve tactical kicking and high-ball work
Saturday, 6 December 2025
All Blacks coaches have been under pressure to fix inconsistencies.
At least one more coach is likely to be added.
All Blacks coaching numbers remain relatively light compared to test peers.
Changes are likely to the All Blacks’ coaching set-up and head coach Scott Robertson wants to add at least one coach to improve their tactical kicking and high-ball work, The Post understands.
The make-up of the coaching panel has come under intense scrutiny following the All Blacks’ inconsistent campaign this year, with New Zealand Rugby head of high performance Mike Anthony to lead the review into the end-of-year tour.
Assistant coach Jason Holland announced in October that he was finishing up with the All Blacks, and at that time Robertson said that no decision had been made on a possible replacement.
However, The Post understands that Robertson has in fact identified the need for extra coaching resources to upskill his side in two areas that have come under pressure this year.
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The All Blacks’ kicking out of hand has been found wanting at times this year, especially when halfback Cameron Roigard has been unavailable, and their skillsets under the high ball were put under enormous pressure - particularly coming out of Super Rugby Pacific.
Robertson is understood to be planning conversations with potential candidates, but the market is tight with test-quality coaches such as Tony Brown already under contract elsewhere.
David Hill previously held the kicking brief with the All Blacks, but he is now full time with the Chiefs.
Holland’s exit, and Leon MacDonald’s departure last year, has left the All Blacks’ coaching panel decidedly light compared to some test peers.
South Africa and England both have larger coaching teams, with the Springboks assembling Brown, Felix Jones, Mzwandile Stick, Deon Davids, Daan Human and Jerry Flannery under head coach Rassie Erasmus, while former Springboks No 8 Duane Vermeulen is on hand as a resource coach to improve their contact and breakdown work.
England head coach Steve Borthwick is assisted by Richard Wigglesworth, Lee Blackett, Kevin Sinfield, Tom Harrison, Joe El-Abd, and New Zealander Andrew Strawbridge - although the latter finished up at the end of last month.
The All Blacks’ coaches are Robertson, Scott Hansen, Jason Ryan, Tamati Ellison and Bryn Evans, and despite recent speculation to the contrary The Post understands that Robertson does fulfil the traditional head coaching role and sets game plans and strategy alongside Hansen.
Robertson, whose specialist coaching expertise and experience is on the defensive side of the game, also plays a significant role in that area alongside Ellison, whose role also includes individual contact skills.
However, the inconsistency in the All Blacks’ performances this year indicates that the group needs to be beefed-up ahead of a daunting tour of South Africa next year.
The All Blacks will be tested under the high ball in South Africa, with that element of the game taking on increased significance after a change to the guidelines around so-called escort runners last year.
That directive from World Rugby head of referees Joel Jutge has had a huge impact on the game at test level, encouraging box kicks and high ball contests.