Razor's sharp response to All Black coaching question

SPOTLIGHT: The New Zealand national team coaching saga is causing a media meltdown, but at least one key player is staying out of the All Black brabble.

Scott Robertson, the celebrated Crusaders coach who is said to be a frontrunner to replace under fire coach Ian Foster, displayed the same skill with which he executes his post-tournament victory break-dance routine.

Robertson made it clear he is not going to step into the debate swirling around the head of the All Black coach, Foster.

"No comment," was Robertson's curt response when the New Zealand media contacted him for his view on the dissensus around the national team.

The man, affectionately known as Razor, missed out on the top job to Foster at the end of 2019.

With the NZ Rugby board set to meet on Wednesday - in the aftermath of the All Blacks' one-two loss to Ireland, their first series loss on home soil since 1994, Robertson stayed well clear of the explosive situation.

He said he was focused on the Crusaders and another Super Rugby campaign in 2023.

With six titles in as many years, Robertson's name is always the first to come up when the All Black coaching position is discussed.

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* Meanwhile All Blacks Communications Manager Jo Malcolm revealed it was 'her decision' to cancel this past Sunday's media briefing at the last minute - following the weekend defeat to Ireland in Wellington.

Writing on LinkedIn, Malcolm said: "For the record, I decided not to demand that All Blacks head coach Ian Foster front late on Sunday morning.

"Not him. I felt he needed a day or so to work out what he wanted to say and not just be a punching bag for the media, who let's be clear, wanted blood."

The cancellation of the customary Sunday media briefing resulted in speculation around Foster's position.

This briefing was cancelled without notice, leaving the media waiting outside the All Black hotel.

In her social media post, Malcolm said: "It's brutal when you lose and yes tough questions need to be asked".

"Ian Foster and Sam Cane have been bagged so much in the media, I felt they needed a little space to think. My bad? Hindsight? I'll take that hit. I am here to look after people as well as do comms."

On Sunday, as he boarded the team bus, Foster said he had "no idea" why the media briefing had been cancelled.

Sources: Stuff & NZ Herald