New Zealand fired coach Scott Robertson on Thursday after a scathing 2025 performance review and rumours of a player revolt. Less than two years before the World Cup, what does this mean for the All Blacks odds?
The 51-year-old led the team to 20 wins in 27 matches, below powerhouse New Zealand’s expectations, while showing little improvement during his two years in charge.
New Zealand Rugby’s internal review of performance found strong criticism from senior All Blacks, including a suggestion that star player Ardie Savea could walk out.
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New Zealand Rugby chair David Kirk said it was the right time to make a change, with the 2027 Rugby World Cup the “key goal”.
“The mid-point in the Rugby World Cup cycle is the right time to look at the All Blacks’ progress over the first two seasons,” Kirk said.
“We’ve taken an extensive look at the team’s progress on and off the field and have subsequently had discussions with Scott on the way forward.
“Both NZR and Scott agree it is in the best interests of the team that he depart his role as head coach.
“On behalf of New Zealand Rugby I would like to thank Scott for his contribution to the All Blacks.
“As always, he has continued to put the All Blacks first and we respect that he has done the hard but right thing in agreeing to depart.”
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Robertson took over as coach in January 2024 with a contract through to the end of the 2027 World Cup in Australia.
His appointment was greeted with much fanfare after he led the Canterbury Crusaders to seven consecutive Super Rugby titles to 2023 with a reputation as a forward-thinking leader who had strong support from his players.
He endeared himself to fans with his winning record and his habit of break dancing on the pitch after his team’s title wins.
But under his leadership, the All Blacks have been in a spin.
Robertson lost two of his assistant coaches in his first two years, with Leon MacDonald and Jason Holland quitting, citing differences with their head coach.
Robertson claimed last year that his authority had been undermined, telling the New Zealand Herald that his assistant, Scott Hansen, “effectively operates in the role most would recognise as the head coach”.
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But Chris Lendrum, New Zealand Rugby’s professional rugby and performance general manager, said the comments were taken “out of context”.
Otago Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph, the former Japan coach, or former Australia coach Dave Rennie could be potential successors to oversee a packed Test calendar in 2026 in the run-up to the World Cup.
The All Blacks travel to South Africa for an eight-match tour in August and September, playing the Springboks four times.
They also host France, Italy and Ireland in the Nations Cup in July, then play Australia home and away in the Bledisloe Cup before travelling to Europe in November for more Nations Cup matches.
What this means for All Blacks’ World Cup odds
Following Robertson’s departure, the All Blacks’ outright odds to win the 2027 Rugby World Cup have drifted out to around 5.00 with major bookmakers, placing them slightly behind current favourite South Africa in the betting markets. While 5.00 still reflects respect for New Zealand’s pedigree, it is higher (i.e. less-favoured) than their pre-tournament pricing in previous cycles, when they were often closer to the 3.50–4.50 mark in early markets, and it suggests some scepticism about their current trajectory. A coaching rejig could work in the All Blacks’ favour if a new leader quickly unifies the squad, clarifies strategy and restores confidence after a turbulent period — recent hires like Jamie Joseph or Dave Rennie are said to be under consideration with strong track records. However, the flip side is that upheaval and a lack of continuity might justify these relatively long odds, especially given the Springboks’ status as heavy favourites at around 3.25 to return to the summit with a potent, consistent machine that has now won back-to-back titles.
Rugby World Cup 2027 favourites
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South Africa – 3.25 (favourites)
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New Zealand – 5.00
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England – 5.10
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France – 5.10
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Ireland – 7.50
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Australia – 10.00
Photo By Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile via Getty Images
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