Is the All Blacks' coaching team tearing at the seams? That's the bold claim from former All Blacks scrum-half Steve Devine, who argues that the team’s rigid attack strategy is stifling Scott Robertson’s vision as the pressure on the head coach reaches a boiling point. But here's where it gets controversial: Devine suggests the coaching staff isn’t aligned, and this disconnect is costing the team dearly on the field. Let’s dive into the details.
New Zealand’s 2025 season took another hit with a 33-19 loss to England at Twickenham, shattering their Grand Slam dreams and marking yet another underwhelming performance under Robertson’s leadership. And this is the part most people miss: despite boasting a highly efficient set-piece under Jason Ryan, the All Blacks’ attack has been surprisingly lackluster. It’s a far cry from their once-feared offensive prowess, leaving fans and analysts scratching their heads.
The team’s struggles aren’t new. Since taking over from Ian Foster, Robertson has yet to secure a Rugby Championship title. Worse, the All Blacks suffered their most humiliating defeat ever to the Springboks in September. These setbacks have sparked intense scrutiny of Robertson and his coaching team, with critics questioning their ability to turn things around.
Devine, a 10-time capped All Black, didn’t hold back in his critique. Speaking on Sport Nation’s The Rugby Run, he pointed to a lack of cohesion among the coaching staff. ‘There’s something missing,’ he said. ‘They’re not all on the same page, and it shows in their attack. They’re not fully understanding what they’re trying to achieve.’ Devine highlighted moments where the team seemed to lose their way, despite early successes in creating space and scoring tries. ‘It’s a confidence issue, but there’s clearly a deeper problem,’ he added.
The attack’s struggles are particularly puzzling given the All Blacks’ storied history of dominance. Devine lamented, ‘We’ve lost our attacking DNA. Teams used to fear kicking the ball to us, but now we seem so structured and lost at times. I’ve never seen an All Black team struggle like this.’ The departure of attack coach Leon MacDonald early in Robertson’s tenure, followed by the upcoming exit of backs coach Jason Holland, has only added to the chaos.
But is Devine’s critique fair, or is he missing the bigger picture? Some argue that Robertson needs more time to implement his vision, while others believe the coaching staff’s misalignment is irreparable. What do you think? Is the All Blacks’ coaching team beyond repair, or can they find their footing before it’s too late? Let us know in the comments—this debate is far from over.
