'Shocked' All Blacks ace speaks on former coach Scott Robertson's brutal axing
Updated . First published at
AUCKLAND: Some tiptoed around the topic, some tackled the elephant in the room head-on.
But the hottest conversation at Wednesday's Super Rugby Pacific season launch was who is going to replace Scott Robertson and what led to his stunning All Blacks axing.
The now-former coach won 20 of his 27 Tests in charge and had New Zealand sitting at No.2 in the world rankings.
Watch the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season with every match streaming live and on demand on the home of rugby, Stan Sport
Scott Robertson of the All Blacks speaks to the media. Getty
But a damning end-of-season review from senior players cost him his job as NZ Rugby chairman David Kirk acted decisively ahead of next year's Rugby World Cup.
"I was shocked," All Blacks centurion Codie Taylor told Wide World of Sports at the Akarana Marine Sports Centre.
"I felt for him, obviously the most, and his family, with Jane, his wife. That's, I suppose, how ruthless high performance can be.
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Codie Taylor of the Crusaders during the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific Launch at at the Akarana Marine Sports Centre. Getty
"Looking forward, whatever happens is an opportunity for someone else. We just want to be out there playing great rugby, and winning."
Taylor was also a key pillar of Robertson's remarkable, breakdancing reign at the Crusaders.
He hoped Robertson's tenure wouldn't be remembered only for its grisly ending.
Scott Robertson feels for rain at Optus Stadium. Getty
"Someone that tried to give it his all and wanted the best of the players," the hooker said when asked to summarise 'Razor's' work in the Test arena.
"It's a challenging environment - that's what high performance is - but I've got a lot of respect for him... we'll catch up with him soon and connect."
NZ Rugby on Wednesday confirmed that Taylor's ex-teammate, Dane Coles, would be part of the panel to decide Robertson's replacement.
"There's a lot of unknown at the moment, a bit of uncertainty too," Taylor admitted.
"But I think as a whole, us as players and leaders, we just need to go out there and perform - if we're given the opportunity to.
"We're the ones out there playing rugby but it's important that there's great leadership at the head of it. We're in the process of dealing with that from a union level as well as a team level.
"So a bit of uncertainty, but with that comes opportunities...
"As players, we just want to be out there and play. We care for our country as all our fans do. Hopefully it'll be sorted and we're out there dominating on the world stage again."
Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph and ex-Wallabies boss Dave Rennie are seen as the frontrunners to replace Robertson.
Fabian Holland of the Highlanders speaks to media. Getty
Fabian Holland, the Highlanders and All Blacks lock, raved about Joseph's abilities.
"Mate, he's awesome, I really enjoy him as a coach," Holland told WWOS.
"He's helped my game develop a lot. He really simplified the game for me and really helped me develop my rugby skills on and off the field.
Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph and Chiefs coach Dave Rennie in 2011. Getty
"What he's done for my career, words can't really describe. Great man, great father and a great coach, so you can't speak highly enough of him."
Joseph's Highlanders kick off the 2026 season at home to Taylor's defending champion Crusaders in Dunedin on February 13.
The Hurricanes played the very first Super Rugby match in 1996 against the Blues in Palmerston North and Alama Ieremia scored the competition's first try.
Jack Mesley during the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific Launch at at the Akarana Marine Sports Centre. Getty
"It's an incredibly special occasion," Super Rugby Pacific CEO Jack Mesley said in Auckland.
"2026 marks 30 years since Super Rugby arrived with a bang and began revolutionising the professional game. This season we will take the opportunity to reflect with pride on our history as we step towards the next 30 years.
"For three decades, Super Rugby has inspired innovation, excitement and unforgettable moments. We're proud of the legacy we have forged and even more excited about where the competition is heading next.
"The purpose for Super Rugby Pacific remains clear - to light the flame for generations to love the game.
"Our clubs are going all out in planning to celebrate 30 years of Super Rugby, and we can't wait to see fans pack the stands and be part of it."
The first Australian game of 2026 is at Sydney's Allianz Stadium where the NSW Waratahs will lock horns with bitter rivals the Queensland Reds.
