What a move this is from New Zealand Rugby - signing Jamie Joseph to coach the New Zealand XV for the next two years.
And no, I still refuse to call that team the “All Blacks XV”, because they’re not. And because marketing people have already butchered the All Blacks brand enough.
That is a debate for another day. The real story here? The message behind the message. Let’s stop dancing around it. Let’s say what we’re all thinking.
Jamie Joseph is being lined up as the next All Blacks coach. That’s what this is. A smart, quiet, forward-thinking insurance policy.
It’s not personal, it’s business. Scott Robertson’s the man in the hot seat right now - and I wish him all the success in the world. But he’s just been officially put on notice. Don't win the World Cup in 2027? Well, Jamie Joseph will be waiting.
And fair enough.
Joseph’s credentials are rock-solid. Guided Japan through a dream 2019 Rugby World Cup, topping a pool that included Ireland and Scotland. Coached the Highlanders to a Super Rugby title in 2015. He's done his overseas stint. Now he’s back. And this two-year gig coaching the next tier of All Blacks talent is a seat at the table - if not at the head just yet.
What New Zealand Rugby have done here is actually smart for once. It's succession planning. No more repeating the muddled mess of the Foster-Razor saga where everyone knew the next guy before the current guy had even left the room. This time, the cards are on the table.
And to be brutally honest, that’s how it should be.
International rugby is a results business. Likes on Instagram don’t matter. Winning test matches does. Full stop. If Razor brings Bill (that’s the William Webb Ellis trophy, in case you forgot) back home from Australia in two years, the job is his to keep. If not, then the Razor fade will be swift, and Joseph - with Tony Brown likely in tow - steps in.
This isn’t a threat. It’s not even political. It’s pragmatic. It’s a big-boy move by New Zealand Rugby and a professional one at that.
Finally, let’s make one thing completely clear - I wish Razor all the success in the world, all the way to winning it all in Australia in 2027.
But if it doesn’t work out, then having Jamie Joseph right there does present a really good potential alternative.
Catch new episodes of the Devlin Sports Podcast Network (DSPN) every weekday on rova.
