New Zealand Rugby’s Power Struggle: Could They Be Heading Down Manchester United’s Troubled Path?
Rugby legend Eddie Jones has sounded a stark warning for New Zealand Rugby and the All Blacks: if they’re not careful, things could get a lot worse before they get better. But here’s where it gets controversial—Jones draws a striking parallel between the All Blacks’ current turmoil and Manchester United’s post-Sir Alex Ferguson era. Could New Zealand Rugby be facing a similar power vacuum and internal strife? Let’s dive in.
Last week, Scott Robertson was unexpectedly axed as the All Blacks’ head coach, despite boasting an impressive 74% win rate—a record that outshone his predecessor, Ian Foster. And this is the part most people miss: Robertson’s dismissal marks the end of a 20-year coaching dynasty, with him being the first ‘outsider’ to lead the team since Graham Henry in 2004. Henry passed the baton to Steve Hansen, who was part of his coaching group, and Hansen’s assistant, Foster, took over in 2019. Robertson’s appointment was supposed to signal a fresh start, but instead, it’s left many wondering if New Zealand Rugby is losing its way.
The Manchester United Parallel
Jones, speaking on the Rugby Unity podcast, didn’t hold back. ‘It’s smelling a little bit like Manchester United,’ he said. ‘A long period of success, a dominant coaching group—Manchester United had Alex Ferguson—and over that period, New Zealand were unbeatable, winning at 85%. That was the Henry-Hansen era.’ But when that era ended, so did the stability. ‘When that group leaves, there’s a power gap,’ Jones explained. ‘People fight for that gap because they all want a part of it.’ Sound familiar? It’s a scenario that’s played out in football, and now, it seems, in rugby.
Player Power and Unanswered Questions
New Zealand Rugby’s decision to sack Robertson midway through his four-year deal was unprecedented. In contrast, Ian Foster was nearly dismissed in 2022 but was saved by the players, who rallied behind him. Fast forward to Robertson’s tenure, and it’s the opposite—reports suggest All Blacks stars had issues with the culture during the 2024 and 2025 Test campaigns. Jones recalled the drama surrounding Foster’s near-sacking, noting how player power saved him after a crucial win against South Africa. ‘The players stood on the platform and said, ‘No, you’re not going to sack him,’ Jones said. But with Robertson, the players’ stance was notably different. Why the shift? And what does it say about the team’s internal dynamics?
A Bigger Issue for New Zealand Rugby?
Jones isn’t convinced this is just about Robertson. ‘I don’t think this is just a Scott Robertson thing,’ he said. ‘I think this is generally a bigger issue for New Zealand Rugby.’ With David Kirk potentially stepping in to ‘clean the stage,’ the question remains: can New Zealand Rugby reclaim its dominance, or is this the beginning of a longer decline? And here’s a thought-provoking question for you: Is the All Blacks’ current struggle a result of poor leadership, player discontent, or something deeper within the organization? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is one debate that’s sure to spark differing opinions.
