Former New Zealand Warriors coach Tony Kemp has compared the All Blacks to their rugby league counterparts, the New Zealand Warriors while criticizing New Zealand rugby systems.
The All Blacks have won only one of their last five Test matches, marking one of their worst stretches in team history.
Kemp’s comparison to the New Zealand Warriors is based on the team’s selection of mediocre coaches since Ian Foster has struggled since taking over the side.
kemp stated:
“Are they becoming like the Warriors, or too similar to the Warriors with the way that they’re picking their coaches who just aren’t up to scratch?”
“For me, it’s a really big time to really think about that and iron out the issue before they have the same systemic problem, which is what the Warriors do in hiring mediocrity as part of the system.”
“If you have a look at Ian Foster, he’s come through the All-Black coaching ranks, yes he’s had some success as an assistant coach, but assistant coaches don’t always make good coaches.”
“His team around him … are they the best (people) … John Plumtree and co, to get the job done?”
Kemp noted the high calibre of coaches available to coach the All Blacks, but he believes the current coaching staff has delivered “second-rate” results.
“Dave Rennie – Australian coach, Razor (Scott) Robertson … Wayne Smith – he’s in there in the women’s team, you’ve got Shag (Sir Steve Hansen) – he’s gone, you’ve got Robbie Deans,”
“You’ve got all these great New Zealand coaches and yet what we’ve come up with for the All-Black team, I think, is nothing but second-rate.”
“It’s about putting the best team together. If we can’t do that, then you’re going down the same road as the Warriors.”
“You’re just accepting mediocrity as a way forward and hopefully it will get you across the line.”
