Former All Blacks coach Sir Wayne Smith said he felt sad for Scott Robertson and for New Zealand rugby after the decision to remove him as coach of the national side just two years into his tenure, saying the job has become so unforgiving that even a 76% win rate is no longer enough.
New Zealand Rugby confirmed Robertson's dismissal on Thursday following a scathing end-of-season review.
Discussions were held with Robertson, and it was decided he would be replaced, chairman David Kirk said at a press conference.
"Things were not on track. We were not seeing the trajectory we wanted."
Robertson said he was "gutted" by the decision and that coaching the All Blacks was the "honour of a lifetime".
He led the side to 20 wins in 27 matches, having controversially replaced Ian Foster after the 2023 World Cup.
The process to recruit a new head coach had commenced immediately, with current Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph a clear frontrunner.
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Sir Wayne told 1News in a statement that Robertson and his coaching group were "extremely competent" and still finding their feet.
"It's a tough old gig when 76% isn't good enough. They obviously feel that the win percentage wasn't going to improve, although that is just guess work."
The World Cup-winning Black Ferns coach said modern All Blacks coaches faced an increasingly unforgiving environment, where even a strong win record no longer guaranteed job security.
"The All Blacks' history demands high standards, a winning attitude and innovation," he said.
"Coaching in this environment is becoming more and more challenging. Egos abound, 76% win records are no longer enough."
Sacked coach Scott Robertson is gone, and attention turns to who's next to take the helm. (Source: 1News)
Sir Wayne said today's game brought new pressures, including anonymous criticism from players and fans alike.
"Disaffected players speak behind your back and get to rubbish you, incognito, during end-of-campaign reviews," he said.
"Social media, hidden behind nicknames and alter egos, can tear you apart without remorse."
Robertson had not been given enough time to establish his own systems or communicate his long-term vision, Sir Wayne said.
"It takes time to settle on your way, and you just pray that you get the opportunity to prove yourself over time."
While the All Blacks' success since 1905 had been driven by constant "public expectation of constant improvements and winning", patience was also critical, he added.
"Looking into the future to determine where the game is going next is critical," he said. "Making changes before they are needed is key. Others will copy and force you to keep going ahead."
He said Robertson had not been given sufficient opportunity to adapt and overcome the challenges facing new All Blacks coaches.
"Unfortunately, Razor hasn't been given more time, greater opportunity to adapt and overcome many of the challenges new All Blacks coaches face," Smith said.
"I feel sad about that — for Razor and our game."
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