The All Blacks coaching saga just got a whole lot more interesting! With the Super Rugby Pacific season about to kick off, all eyes are on who will step into the coveted All Blacks head coach role. Highlanders' head coach, Jamie Joseph, has been a name buzzing around this vacant position ever since Scott Robertson's sudden departure from New Zealand Rugby in mid-January. And here's the part that's got everyone talking: Joseph is widely considered the favorite to take the reins!
Why the buzz? Well, Joseph ticks all the boxes for New Zealand Rugby's requirements, and he's currently right here in New Zealand, actively coaching. Plus, he recently took charge of the second-string All Blacks XV last November. This move strongly suggests that NZ Rugby has been strategically grooming him for a significant role within the national setup. Whether that role is indeed the top job as head coach remains to be seen, but for now, Joseph is laser-focused on the upcoming Highlanders clash against the Crusaders this Friday.
When pressed about the national team position, the 56-year-old admitted that Robertson's sacking was "totally unexpected." However, he remained tight-lipped, emphasizing his current commitment. "Well, it was totally unexpected, and you’ve got your head down thinking about your own team. For me, that is the Highlanders. That has been really my focus," he shared with reporters. He also noted that the media attention surrounding the coaching vacancy has been surprisingly minimal for his players, with "not a lot said." Joseph reiterated, "This is my first game in this season after a really tough season [last year], and I’m really focused on the Highlanders."
But here's where it gets controversial... While Joseph is keeping his cards close to his chest, reports from The Post indicate that he has indeed applied for the role, even if he hasn't officially confirmed it. This adds another layer to the unfolding drama!
And this is the part most people miss... The search for the next All Blacks head coach has reportedly narrowed down to a three-man shortlist. According to Sir John Kirwan, Dave Rennie is another strong contender who has expressed interest. Kirwan mentioned on the Rivals podcast, "We had 13 applications, and it’s down to three. Of the three, I think there’s Jamie Joseph and Dave Rennie, but I don’t know who the third is. It could be Warren Gatland, but I’m pretty sure that they’re making the decision in the next week or so."
With Vern Cotter signing with the Queensland Reds and Joe Schmidt reportedly also out of the running, the field has certainly cleared. This leaves Joseph and Rennie as the apparent frontrunners, with a decision anticipated very soon.
Now, over to you! Do you think Jamie Joseph is the right man for the All Blacks job? Or is there another candidate you believe would be a better fit? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below – we'd love to hear your take on this high-stakes coaching decision!
