Former All Blacks star Israel Dagg has spoken out amid growing speculation of tensions within Scott Robertson’s coaching staff.
He claims Scott Hansen may be the common denominator behind the recent exits of Leon MacDonald and Jason Holland.
Holland became the second high-profile assistant to leave Robertson’s team on Thursday, following MacDonald’s departure last year. The All Blacks head coach confirmed that “differences in game-plan vision” led to MacDonald’s exit ahead of their clashes against the Springboks, while both Robertson and Holland insisted the latest departure was “a personal decision” by the backs coach.
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However, Dagg suggested on Sport Nation’s Scotty and Izzy Show that the story may run deeper.
“There could be a lot of speculation out there. There’s one message here talking about some rumours that Scott Hansen is the problem with Holland and Leon MacDonald,” Dagg said.
“That they couldn’t work with him anymore and Holland wanted to leave last year but was convinced to stay for one more year.”
While careful not to endorse the claims, Dagg did offer some insight into Hansen’s coaching style.
“I’ve never been coached by Scotty Hansen, I can’t speak from experience, but having spoken to him a couple of times, he’s very intense,” Dagg explained.
“A very intense fella, very passionate, has a lot of care but is hard on people and wants to get the very best out of people – he’s demanding.”
Hansen, who was originally appointed as defence coach, took on added attacking duties after MacDonald’s departure. That could see him step further into Holland’s former role depending on what Robertson and New Zealand Rugby decide for the 2026 Test season.
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Dagg believes Robertson faces a pivotal decision in how to reshape his backroom team.
“Next year, what is the key here? There’s a lot of confusion out there, there are so many voices, so would the best thing going forward be to take away that extra voice, allow Scotty Hansen to take a bit more of a role … and Tamati Ellison looks after the defence?”
“Is that the right thing going forward or do we go over and get a Ronan O’Gara? I’m sitting here thinking, who is the next best coach that can come in and take that role?”
Photo: Joe Allison/Getty Images
