Drastic All Blacks coaching overhaul on the cards

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Incoming All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson is reportedly looking to raid some Super Rugby franchises to enhance his coaching roster.

Hurricanes coach Jason Holland has confirmed to Rugbypass that there have been “a few discussions” about his potential involvement in Robertson’s All Blacks from next year.

New Zealand Rugby announced last month that Robertson would replace Ian Foster in the All Blacks’ hot seat on a four-year deal, although there was no word on who his assistants would be.

Blues boss Leon MacDonald has been linked with a position within the new-look All Blacks coaching setup, as has Canes coach Jason Holland.

While Holland has previously dismissed reports of a national call-up, the 50-year-old revealed some significant news ahead of the Hurricanes’ crunch clash with the undefeated Chiefs.

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“All focus was on the Super Rugby, as it still is but yeah look, there’s a few discussions going on in the background there now,” Holland said on SENZ Mornings.

“Nothing’s confirmed at all.

“We’re just sort of trying to work through what the options [are] going forward.

“So yeah, we’ve had a chat but there’s nothing more to report than that.”

The Hurricanes are first on the Super Rugby Pacific ladder at the moment but will need to avoid a loss in round eight to remain at the helm.

Holland’s Canes have only lost one match this season, and that was against the Blues at Sky Stadium.

Other than that, the team from the capital have been sensational – and have been led by Cam Roigard who continues to enjoy a breakout season in the No.9 jersey.

But former All Blacks backrower Steven Bates has described the Canes as the “underdogs” ahead of their top-of-the-table clash against the Chiefs.

“I do believe they’ve got a hell of a challenge this week in the Chiefs,” Bates told Sky Sport NZ’s The Breakdown.

“The Chiefs are the form team, but what I will say about the Canes is I believe they will quite like that.

“They’ll go into the game this weekend as underdogs even though they are top of the table.

“I think they like that edge about what they are doing, that little chip on the shoulder.”

Holland’s Hurricanes take on the Chiefs on Saturday in Wellington.

*Additional source: Rugbypass