Scott Robertson, who is set to depart as Crusaders’ head coach, believes that everything is in place for the franchise to maintain their stranglehold on southern hemisphere rugby.
Under Robertson’s guidance, the Christchurch outfit have claimed seven successive Super Rugby titles, with the latest coming in a 25-20 victory over the Chiefs in Hamilton.
The 48-year-old now leaves to take over as the next All Blacks boss following the conclusion of the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France.
Assistant Scott Hansen will join him in the New Zealand set-up, while key players Richie Mo’unga, Sam Whitelock, Leicester Fainga’anuku and Jack Goodhue are set to head overseas.
It will be a significant rebuild for incoming head coach Rob Penney, but Robertson insists that the Crusaders remain in a good position.
2019 example
“We’re losing and we’re gaining. I think 2019 was a reflection of that. I think we lost about 700 caps [of experience] and people thought that was it,” he said.
“But people came in and they took over, and I think we’re in good stead. We’ve got three coaches that have been in a year with us now.
“Tamati Ellison is a hell of a coach, and with Rob Penney coming in, there will be some good continuity, and they will make it their own now.
“I’m really proud that I’ve set up the structures, so the next coach can come in and add his own flavour. We’re in a good position as a professional team, we care about each other.”
Injuries to some big personnel almost forced Robertson to blood the next generation earlier than he would ordinarily have liked.
Despite significant challenges, individuals such as Dallas McLeod, who has been selected in the All Blacks squad, Macca Springer and Fergus Burke have stepped up when called upon.
“All these guys that have come through are going to be better for it next year, with the guys moving on they will step up because they have had game time. And off the field, there’s some good young coaches coming through as well,” the 48-year-old said.
Praise for his boss
Robertson also reserved praise for general manager for professional rugby Angus Gardiner, who has played a key role in their Super Rugby success since taking the role in December 2016.
“What he does is special. He gets the back end right, he’s my air support. Wars are won in the air, and he does it for me, and I’d like to thank him personally,” he said of Gardiner.
“I’m a proud Crusader, it means a lot to me, and I’m thankful I’m moving on, and it’s set me up to be a great All Blacks coach.”
READ MORE: Tactician Scott Robertson bows out as a ‘proud’ Crusaders legend
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