Sir John Kirwan: I hate to admit it but All Blacks must follow Rassie Erasmus’ lead with Scott Robertson’s successor

All Blacks legend Sir John Kirwan would “totally” support going down the overseas route as New Zealand Rugby searches for its next coaching team.

The governing body are looking for a replacement after Scott Robertson was dramatically sacked as head coach following an underwhelming two years in charge.

None of Robertson’s assistants have so far suffered the same fate, but his successor may well want to have his own people in place.

Although Kirwan would like to see a New Zealander head the operation, he would be very happy to see some of the best coaches from around the world support them.

Ronan O’Gara to the All Blacks?

Springboks legend Victor Matfield prompted the discussion by asking on the Rivals podcast: “Can I throw a wildcard in here? What about a guy like Ronan O’Gara?

“He came to New Zealand to develop as a coach, went over to La Rochelle, very successful, and he doesn’t look like he’s in the running for the Ireland job.”

Kirwan agreed, stating that O’Gara, who coached at the Crusaders under Robertson, was in his mind, but not in the main role.

“There are a couple of world-class coaches, which I think are interesting. He’s one, although it seems to be his sideline behaviour which would not suit us. I don’t think I see him as a head coach, I definitely see him as part of the staff,” he said.

Matfield clarified his stance, adding: “That’s what I mean; an assistant coach with a Jamie Joseph”, before Kirwan used Rassie Erasmus as an example as to what can be achieved by bringing in people from overseas.

“What Rassie has done, although I hate to admit it, is getting knowledge from other people, which is really, really important,” the All Blacks legend said.

“To win constantly now, to get up to an 85 per cent win rate, is going to be tough.

“I also think a guy like Shaun Edwards is one of the best defence coaches in the world. Worked with Warren Gatland, now at France, so as an assistant role, someone like Ronan would be awesome, someone like Shaun Edwards would be awesome, it’s just to see where they are from a contractual point of view.”

Victor Matfield issues Jamie Joseph warning amid All Blacks speculation and player power concerns

No Springboks overseas policy

South Africa, in both a coaching and playing perspective, have no limitations on overseas influence and that has paid dividends with back-to-back World Cups.

“I just think that you get all that knowledge. I remember when Fourie du Preez and Schalk Burger went over and played in Japan, and they came back and were better players,” Matfield said.

“Sometimes we get caught in our own little bubble, and we see rugby a certain way. Rassie has done it with the Springboks now, sometimes it’s great to get knowledge from outside – people that look at the game from a different angle.

“The head coach needs to be a New Zealander, he needs to understand the culture, and he needs to have the final say.”

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