Latest news with #AllBlacks'
NZ Herald
5 days ago
- Business
- NZ Herald
NZ Rugby faces tough search for CEO to lead both pro and amateur sides
They will need knowledge of media rights negotiations, an understanding of digital content and its pathway to monetisation, and they will have to be capable of managing relationships with some of the world's largest consumer brands. But this is only part of the job, not all of it. There's another side entirely, which is presiding over the community game – selling rugby to the masses. That's an ambassadorial job – running a never-ending PR campaign to promote the holistic benefits of playing rugby: the resilience it breeds, the networks it forges, the joy it brings. It's also, though, a political tightrope that constantly must be walked, managing provincial unions and other stakeholders to ensure there is harmony in the ecosystem. Departing New Zealand Rugby CEO Mark Robinson. Photo / Photosport It's a job that requires someone to be as comfortable in gumboots on a muddy sideline as they are in leather loafers around the board table. The search will likely begin in a few weeks, once a global recruitment agency has been approved to conduct it, and NZR chair David Kirk has given prospective candidates clear guidance that this is a job that will straddle both the professional and amateur worlds of rugby. 'There will be a lot of people who would love to run a global sporting brand – the All Blacks' global sporting brand,' he says. 'But they are not coming just to do that. It is way more than that because you have the community element to it. 'They are coming to run New Zealand community rugby. People with only a professional sporting background coming thinking they are running a professional sport will not be appropriate.' Kirk is cognitive that, arguably, he's one of the few people who has the relevant experience across the variety of disciplines the job will entail, but laughed off any suggestion that as the chair of the board, he's in the wrong role. He's not at the right stage in his life to be a full-time executive – so if not him, is there anyone with a similar breadth of experience that presents as an obvious candidate? There are a few who have potential – people who tick a few but not all the boxes. Former All Black Conrad Smith has a deep understanding of the high-performance landscape, having won two World Cups and working for the International Rugby Players' Association, while he also volunteers as a grassroots referee in Taranaki. As a qualified lawyer, he's bright, engaging and worldly, but he doesn't have experience in the corporate world managing or leading a complex organisation. New Zealand All Blacks centre Conrad Smith in action at the 2015 Rugby World Cup. Photo / Brett Phibbs Former ACC chief executive Scott Pickering was on the shortlist to take the NZR job back in 2019 but lost out to incumbent Mark Robinson. He's an experienced director/executive, but isn't steeped in community rugby, although he is currently on the board of Bowls New Zealand. One New Zealand chief executive Jason Paris has the corporate experience – he was also the chief executive of TV3 – but while he's a self-declared passionate sports and rugby follower, there's a question mark about how attuned he'd be to what is really going on at the community level. Former Sky chief executive Martin Stewart negotiated the current broadcast deal for the pay TV broadcaster and has worked in executive roles for the Football Association in England. But would he want to return to living in New Zealand having left the country in early 2021? And the issue of living in New Zealand, and knowing the country's relationship with rugby and the All Blacks is a critical part of the consideration. The All Blacks are a global sporting brand with a uniquely Kiwi ethos, and the 'gosh, I was just lucky out there' understated charm of Beauden Barrett is a million miles away from the trash-talking, hype-it-up narratives and characters that dominate American sports and indeed football. A non-Kiwi may battle to get their head around the All Blacks culture and hiring a New Zealander who has been working overseas is fraught with challenges, as evidenced by the fact Craig Fenton, who had been in Europe for 20 years, only lasted 11 months in his role as head of New Zealand Rugby Commercial. It is, therefore, going to be an incredibly difficult role to fill, which is why Kirk says that it may be that the board takes a broader view, and that it might look at balancing the impending appointments of the chief executive, chief commercial officer and chief financial officer, This could ensure the executive team has all the required skill-sets and experiences, rather than trying to find a unicorn. 'We will probably go to one search consultant for all three roles, but the CEO will be the leading search,' he says. 'But we will also run the CFO and CCO a bit behind because ideally we will have identified the CEO and they will be in a situation where they will be able to take part in the process for the appointment of the CFO and CCO. 'We are looking to balance the requirements across the three roles and it may not be possible to find one person who can do it all. 'There are not many people who have had that broad experience that is just a fact so we have to make sure we have a balanced senior leadership team that can meet all requirements.' Gregor Paul is one of New Zealand's most respected rugby writers and columnists. He has won multiple awards for journalism and written several books about sport.
NZ Herald
7 days ago
- Sport
- NZ Herald
All Blacks v France: Reviewing the performances of Scott Robertson and his men
Four more tries elevated his tally to 42 (from 44 tests) to edge ever closer to claiming the All Blacks' record. With 10 more tests this year few would bet against Jordan reeling in Jeff Willson (44 tires in 60 tests), Beauden Barrett (45 in 136), Julian Savea (46 in 54), Joe Rokocoko (46 in 68) and Christian Cullen 46 in 58, before setting his sights on Doug Howlett (49 in 62). Biggest mover: Fabian Holland Three successive 80-minute shifts is a huge effort for anyone, let alone a test rookie. Holland started on debut at his adopted Dunedin home to realise his dream of becoming the first Netherlands-born All Black. And with Scott Barrett ruled out of tests two and three against France, he retained starting status alongside Patrick Tuipulotu. Some test rookies need time to find their feet, to grasp the increased pace and physicality. Holland, though, never looked overawed. Comparisons to Brodie Retallick are premature – Holland has a long way to match Retallick's physicality with ball in hand – but with 27 lineout wins, 44 of 46 tackles and 112 rucks hit across the three tests, there is no questioning his long-term value to the All Blacks. Holland is 22 and merely getting started. Injuries permitting, he could well forge into a test centurion. His towering presence offsets major second-row depth concerns, too, with Naitoa Ah Kuoi and Sam Darry, the latter debuting last season before injury struck him down, waiting in the wings behind Barrett, Tuipulotu and Tupou Vaa'i. All Blacks lock Fabian Holland has impressed in three test. Photo / SmartFrame Bench balance and finishing One clear directive from the All Blacks this year, after the four tests they lost in 2024 came after leading at half time, was to improve their finishing. Elements of this area have, indeed, improved. The scrum is one notable weapon thanks to the depth of their front row stocks. In the first test in Dunedin and the third in Hamilton, the All Blacks replacement front row earned crucial, match-turning penalties. With what's to come such depth and confidence in this platform cannot be understated. The balance of the All Blacks bench is not there yet, though. In the first and second tests, with their best side selected, the All Blacks scored 10 points in the final quarter. And while they finished strong in Hamilton, Jordie Barrett injected the most impact, with a try-saving tackle and the definitive line break for Brodie McAlister's late strike. Barrett would usually be starting, though. The tactic of selecting two loose forwards on the bench hasn't paid off – and the lineout malfunctioned to lose three throws when the pressure ramped up in the third test. When the likes of Tamaiti Williams, Wallace Sititi, Scott Barrett, Asafo Aumua and Caleb Clarke return from injury, the All Blacks bench will significantly strengthen by putting the squeeze on the starting side. Playing style The intent to play fast – with quick taps and lineouts – and impose fatigue was widely evident from the All Blacks. This year, everyone is one the same page. Even under scoreboard pressure they did not deviate from the script. Through offloads, pace and attacking intent, the All Blacks are, essentially, playing to their inherent strengths. Wayne Smith's chaos theory, based on movement and keeping the ball alive with multiple attacking threats, appears to have influenced the stylistic shift. To achieve that, the All Blacks must achieve lightning quick ball. Their breakdown was compromised in the first and third tests to shine a light on their carry-and-clean urgency and technique. French No 8 Mickaël Guillard caused problems there and as the Pumas and Springboks loom, the All Blacks must address this area. Their penchant for conceding points from restarts and striking the right kick-pass balance will be other focal points. They will, though, be pleased with the leadership and composure to overcome late disruption and fight through difficult situations to emerge on top. That wasn't always the case last year. Selection Project 4/4/4 – four deep in each position over four years to win a fourth World Cup – is progressing with six more rookies – Ollie Norris, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Brodie McAlister, Du'Plessis Kirifi, Holland, Christian Lio-Willie – introduced. After missing multiple opportunities to expose fringe talent last year Robertson seized his first chance to rotate in the third test by making 10 starting changes. While the raft of adjustments stunted performance, the benefits of blooding prospects should show in time. The drop off from incumbents to the next tier is most telling at hooker and halfback. Aumua's return from his hamstring issue will improve the hooking stocks but Codie Taylor is only truly appreciated in his absence. Cam Roigard is levels above his competition, too. No one in New Zealand compares to Roigard's booming boot and sniping runs. Roigard, having only played 12 tests, is in the infancy of his All Blacks career but he is already among the world's elite halfbacks, such is his growing influence. Elsewhere, selection questions remain at centre, where Billy Proctor needs further investment, blindside flanker with the All Blacks likely to persist with Tupou Vaa'i's switch despite Samipeni Finau's impressive performance in Hamilton and the up-for-grab wings. First five-eighths depth evokes concern, but it is perhaps unfair to judge Damian McKenzie on one performance in a vastly reshaped team. Damian McKenzie makes a break against France. Photo / Photosport Biggest concern Of all the positional question marks, wing is among the most contestable. New Zealand has a long history of producing superb finishers but uncertainty prevails over who will emerge to demand starting status. Two late reshuffles – Caleb Clarke's injury in Wellington and Rieko Ioane's withdrawal in Hamilton – didn't help progress plans but after selecting two specialist wings in July, the All Blacks are arguably no closer to determining their best finishing options. Clarke's ankle injury that may sideline him for another five-to-six weeks was a notable setback as the second test stage was set for him to recapture the form that locked down the No 11 jersey for the first time in his career last year. Clarke could yet tick many boxes for the All Blacks. He's a power wing, in the mould Robertson tends to favour, and the best edge option in the air – one area France exposed the All Blacks. But after a quiet season where he's yet to score a try, Clarke needs game time to cement his claims. Jordan, the All Blacks' first-choice fullback, was their best winger against France. By some distance, too. He scored two tries in Dunedin after shifting to the edge in the first minute – and was then among the All Blacks most prominent figures two weeks later after a late promotion from the bench. Sevu Reece wasn't helped by his first-minute exit in Dunedin after a head knock but he has everything to prove at test level after an underwhelming All Blacks season last year where his pace and erratic tendencies sparked concern. Reece is also 28 – the age when All Blacks wingers traditionally decline. By the 2027 World Cup, it's difficult to envision him being the form finisher the All Blacks need. The jury remains out on Rieko Ioane's back-to-the-future switch from centre to the wing, too, which shouldn't surprise given this test series was the first time in four years he started on the edge at any level. There's a strong argument the All Blacks missed a trick by not selecting form Chiefs wings Emoni Narawa and Leory Carter in their July squad – and instead including six midfielders. Narawa started the second test in Wellington but only after Clarke's late exit to continue a lack of faith in his abilities at test level. Other emerging options include Caleb Tangitau, a revelation for the Highlanders before injury prematurely ended his campaign, and Crusaders wing/fullbacks Chay Fihaki. Leicester Fainga'anuku has returned from France to play for Tasman in the NPC and is a certainty to be called up for the All Blacks northern tour squad. Where Fainga'anuku features remains to be seen but he spent the bulk of his two years with Toulon at centre. Context Would the All Blacks have won this series against France's first-choice team? There's no definitive answer, but it does pose context to take stock of the vastly understrength opposition to start the year. The All Blacks can only play who is in front of them. NZ Rugby had no say in the longstanding agreement between the French Top 14 clubs and Les Bleus that prevents the national team from selecting players involved in their domestic final for the July internationals, which duly undermines the elite arena. The second test blowout aside, where rookies were thrown to the wolves, France's performances belied their second-string nature to speak to the Top 14's depth of talent. France cannot be accused of turning up merely for wines on Waiheke, picnics in Hamilton Gardens or soaking up Dunedin's St Clair beach. Their defensive effort in the final week of their arduous season, where they made 292 tackles, 172 more than the All Blacks, underscores their tenacity for the fight. Scott Robertson's men will faces tougher challenges against Argentina and South Africa. Photo / Photosport Assessing the All Blacks against the backdrop of France leaving their best talent at home, though, is a somewhat fraught exercise. In some ways it's the ideal start that allowed traditional rust to be shaken off and Robertson the selection freedom to use his full squad while banking wins. Now the real business arrives in the form of the Rugby Championship, starting with two away tests in Argentina before the world champion Springboks arrive for a tilt at breaking Eden Park's 50 match unbeaten run and a return clash in Wellington the following week. Those four tests between August 17 and September 13 will reveal exactly where the All Blacks sit. Liam Napier is a Senior Sports Journalist and Rugby Correspondent for the New Zealand Herald. He is a co-host of the Rugby Direct podcast.
1News
20-07-2025
- Sport
- 1News
All Blacks show resolve among the rust to sweep French series 3-0
A night in Hamilton which started uncomfortably for the All Blacks, with loose forward Luke Jacobson ruled out before kick-off, finished in a not entirely stress-free victory for the home side as they swept France 3-0 in the series. It could be tempting to say that Jacobson's injury in the warm-up was a sign of things to come, but the signs were probably there from the time the team was announced. Putting it politely, this was an All Blacks' C team against a French team of similar standard and while both played with desire and passion – and the French defended extremely well at times – there was plenty of loose stuff as both sides struggled for cohesion. Jacobson's failure to complete the warm-up brought Du'Plessi Kirifi into the No.7 jersey and Christian Lio-Willie on to the bench, with Kirifi scoring one of the All Blacks' four tries in the 29-19 victory at Waikato Stadium. The result suggests that Scott Robertson's decision to change completely his 23 after the second Test win in Wellington was a success, but this was an untested and in some cases inexperienced line-up which battled for control and penetration on attack and in the end wore down the opposition at the end of a long season for them. ADVERTISEMENT The All Blacks huffed and puffed but could not put away the French until very late in the piece after turning at halftime with a 17-19 deficit. Du'Plessis Kirifi celebrates his first Test try. (Source: Photosport) Four times they were held up over the line, with Samipeni Finau, Ethan de Groot, Dalton Papali'i and Ardie Savea all crossing but failing to score. France halfback Nolann Le Garrec continued the early downbeat vibe for the home side with a dart down the blindside to score the game's first try, the visitors going out to a 10-nil lead thanks to another intervention from the No.9 as the All Blacks fluffed lineouts, failed to clean out rucks, pushed passes, the list goes on. Bottom line - they were failing in the fundamentals, but if there is one player they can count on to get them across the line it is Will Jordan, the man brought into the starting XV – and right wing – only due to an injury on the eve of the match for Rieko Ioane. Credit must go firstly for Cortez Ratima's vision – the little halfback spotting that the French were awol at the back and putting in a perfectly weighted kick for the relentless Jordan to score yet another Test try. That's No.42 in 44 Tests. Neither side had a lot of success with their kicking strategy, but the All Blacks enjoyed the bulk of the territory and, indeed, were held up twice over the line in the first half through Finau and then de Groot. ADVERTISEMENT The French appeared on the brink of cracking, though, and the All Blacks duly broke through after the halftime hooter via centre Anton Lienert-Brown, who showed great strength to get across the line after being tackled short of it. It was a hugely important moment in the match, with Kirifi's maiden Test try after the break helping the All Blacks into a lead they never relinquished – the loose forward on hand for the loose ball after Damian McKenzie's kick through and Lienert-Brown's pressure. Still the mistakes came, debutant Brodie McAlister struggling with his lineout throwing and Savea getting the All Blacks out of jail with a penalty turnover on his own line. With 13 minutes to go, McKenzie's decision to kick for the corner rather than attempt to add an almost guaranteed three points raised eyebrows, but it almost paid off, Papali'i going close but ruled out by the television match official. The game wasn't made safe until extremely late – Jordie Barrett on as a replacement and running tough lines throughout, making the break to put McAlister in by the posts for a popular try. It took resolve and a whole lot of effort, but the All Blacks will almost certainly be better off for this victory which would have taught Robertson and company an awful lot. All Blacks 29 (Will Jordan, Anton Lienert-Brown, Du'Plessis Kirifi, Brodie McAlister tries; Damian McKenzie 3 cons, pen) France 19 (Nolann Le Garrec try, con, 3 pens; Antoine Hastoy dropped goal) Halftime: France 19-17
Japan Today
19-07-2025
- Sport
- Japan Today
All Blacks score late try to secure 29-19 win over France in the 3rd test
New Zealand's Will Jordan scores a try against France during their rugby union test match in Hamilton, New Zealand on Saturday, July 19, 2025. (Brett Phibbs/Photosport via AP) rugby union Replacement hooker Brodie McAlister scored a 76th-minute try on test debut to seal New Zealand's 29-19 win over France, completing a series sweep 3-0. The All Blacks rallied from 19-8 down in the first half, taking the lead for the first time in the 59th minute and holding on with 12 unanswered points in the second spell. A try to center Anton Lienert-Brown three minutes after the halftime siren was crucial to the All Blacks' comeback win, allowing them to go to halftime only two points behind at 19-17. The All Blacks then played mostly in France's territory in the last quarter to close out the match by adding 12 unanswered points. Scrumhalf Nolann Le Garrec scored a try among 16 points as France established its 19-8 lead by the 36th minute. He converted his own try and kicked a penalty for France to lead 10-0 after 19 minutes. He then added two more penalties while France's only other points came from a dropped goal by flyhalf Antoine Hastoy. New Zealand scored a 22nd minute try through winger Will Jordan to stay in the match, then crucially scored again in the dying moments of the first half to set up a thrilling second spell. Hastoy missed a dropped goal and Le Garrec a penalty attempt early in the second half before New Zealand gained its first lead with a try to backrower Du'Plessis Kirifi to start the last quarter. Winger Emilien Gailleton was forced out in the corner in Jordie Barrett's tackle in the 61st minute, preventing France immediately regaining the lead. McAlister's try made the game safe. Center Barrett broke through the French line with a fend and McAlister was at his hip to take the ball, dive and slide over the line. The try denied a brave French team that tested New Zealand to its limits. France named its strongest lineout of the series while New Zealand made 10 changes to its starting lineup from the second test. 'The French really turned up tonight,' All Blacks captain Ardie Savea said. 'I'm proud of the boys really sticking it out in the first half and in the second half we really brought it home.' The All Blacks looked good in the short periods in the first half in which they were able to lift the tempo of the match and they created opportunities from kicks into an unguarded French backfield, one of which led to Jordan's try. But France was able to disrupt New Zealand at the breakdown and won numerous turnovers from the All Blacks lineout. France's goalline defense was superb and New Zealand players were held up over the line on four occasions. The French were also outstanding in the collision area, causing frequent handling errors which disrupted the All Blacks' continuity. A fan released a cockerel, the symbol of French rugby, onto the field during the second half as a tribute to the touring team. © Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
San Francisco Chronicle
19-07-2025
- Sport
- San Francisco Chronicle
The All Blacks score a late try to secure a 29-19 win over France in the 3rd test
HAMILTON, New Zealand (AP) — Replacement hooker Brodie McAlister scored a 76th-minute try on test debut to seal New Zealand's 29-19 win over France, completing a series sweep 3-0. The All Blacks rallied from 19-8 down in the first half, taking the lead for the first time in the 59th minute and holding on with 12 unanswered points in the second spell. A try to center Anton Lienert-Brown three minutes after the halftime siren was crucial to the All Blacks' comeback win, allowing them to go to halftime only two points behind at 19-17. The All Blacks then played mostly in France's territory in the last quarter to close out the match by adding 12 unanswered points. Scrumhalf Nolann Le Garrec scored a try among 16 points as France established its 19-8 lead by the 36th minute. He converted his own try and kicked a penalty for France to lead 10-0 after 19 minutes. He then added two more penalties while France's only other points came from a dropped goal by flyhalf Antoine Hastoy. New Zealand scored a 22nd minute try through winger Will Jordan to stay in the match, then crucially scored again in the dying moments of the first half to set up a thrilling second spell. Hastoy missed a dropped goal and Le Garrec a penalty attempt early in the second half before New Zealand gained its first lead with a try to backrower Du'Plessis Kirifi to start the last quarter. Winger Emilien Gailleton was forced out in the corner in Jordie Barrett's tackle in the 61st minute, preventing France immediately regaining the lead. McAlister's try made the game safe. Center Barrett broke through the French line with a fend and McAlister was at his hip to take the ball, dive and slide over the line. The try denied a brave French team that tested New Zealand to its limits. France named its strongest lineout of the series while New Zealand made 10 changes to its starting lineup from the second test. 'The French really turned up tonight,' All Blacks captain Ardie Savea said. 'I'm proud of the boys really sticking it out in the first half and in the second half we really brought it home.' The All Blacks looked good in the short periods in the first half in which they were able to lift the tempo of the match and they created opportunities from kicks into an unguarded French backfield, one of which led to Jordan's try. But France was able to disrupt New Zealand at the breakdown and won numerous turnovers from the All Blacks lineout. France's goalline defense was superb and New Zealand players were held up over the line on four occasions. The French were also outstanding in the collision area, causing frequent handling errors which disrupted the All Blacks' continuity. A fan released a cockerel, the symbol of French rugby, onto the field during the second half as a tribute to the touring team.
