Leon Macdonald has stepped down from his position as New Zealand assistant coach, just five games into Scott Robertson's tenure, and on the eve of a challenging tour of South Africa.
In a remarkable press conference on Thursday, Robertson revealed that a clash of coaching styles had been causing friction within the All Blacks camp. The announcement came as the team prepared to depart for their matches against the Springboks.
Macdonald, a former full-back who earned 56 caps for New Zealand, previously guided the Blues to victory in the Super Rugby Trans Tasman competition in 2021.
“Leon and I have been having some honest conversations with each other for a little while now,” explained Robertson, the New Zealand head coach.
“As coaches we have differing views and both agreed it wasn’t working. Leon and I both care deeply about the All Blacks and we believe we’ve made a decision that’s best for this team.
“There’s a huge amount of respect and appreciation for Leon in the group and the work he’s put in to get us to this point in our journey.
“As a team we have acknowledged that contribution and our focus now needs to be on South Africa, it’s going to be two tough Test matches over there.”
Dan Carter didn't hesitate when naming his 'six' toughest rugby opponents
Drawing from diverse Q&A sessions, including one with the Independent, he shared his top adversaries with fans and fellow rugby aficionados.
DID YOU KNOW? In the 2015 Rugby World Cup Final against Australia, Dan Carter kicked four penalties, two conversions and a drop goal, and was named the man of the match.
#6. Thierry Dusautoir (France)
Dusautoir, a French rugby legend, epitomizes resilience and leadership. Born in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, he rose to prominence as a stalwart flanker and captained France to the 2011 Rugby World Cup final, earning the prestigious IRB Player of the Year award. His impact transcends borders, inspiring generations.
CARTER SAID: "He had some blinding games in big moments — none more so than in the 2007 and 2011 World Cup games against the All Blacks."
DID YOU KNOW? He broke the record for most tackles in a match, making 38 tackles against the All Blacks in the 2007 World Cup final
4&5. Brian O'Driscoll & Paul O'Connell (Ireland)
Paul O'Connell, an Irish rugby icon, towered on the field as a lock forward, renowned for his fierce competitiveness and leadership. He captained both Munster and Ireland, embodying resilience and passion.
Brian O'Driscoll, Ireland's rugby maestro, dazzled as a centre, captivating fans worldwide with his skill, vision, and unmatched dedication. A true legend of the game, he led Ireland with distinction and left an indelible mark on rugby history.
Carter said: "Two giants of the game that have worn the green jersey were Paul O'Connell and Brian O'Driscoll. Their work rate and how they conducted themselves on and off the pitch was exemplary."
Brian O’Driscoll facts:
- He is devoted to Manchester United and his boyhood hero was Mark Hughes
- O’Driscoll’s father, Frank, played two games for Ireland and an uncle, Barry, won four caps
- His final appearance for Leinster, and for any team, was in the 2014 Pro12 Grand Final on 31 May in Leinster’s home ground, the RDS in Dublin, in which Leinster defeated the Glasgow Warriors 34-12
- His most oft-quoted line was delivered at a press conference at Croke Park before an England match in 2009: “Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit; wisdom is knowing not to put it in a fruit salad.”
- O’Driscoll was chosen as Player of the Tournament in the 2006, 2007 and 2009 RBS Six Nations Championships.
3. Jonah Lomu (New Zealand)
Lomu, a New Zealand rugby phenomenon, redefined the winger position with his extraordinary size, speed, and power.
Rising to global fame in the 1995 Rugby World Cup, he became an icon of the sport, inspiring awe with his unstoppable runs and unmatched athleticism. Lomu's legacy transcends rugby, forever etched in sporting folklore.
Carter said: "He was the toughest player. I played against him once, I was 19-year-old and tried to tackle him, kinda woke up five metres back. He changed the game of rugby."
Jonah Lomu Facts:
- He weighed 120 kg and was 1.96 metres tall, but could run 100 metres in 10.8 seconds
- In 1996, McDonald’s New Zealand named a burger after Lomu
- He’s the only rugby player ever to feature on the front cover of TIME magazine
- According to the Telegraph, Leeds were ready to make a third bid to attract All Blacks giant Jonah Lomu to England in 2001
- He played 63 tests as an All Black, scoring 37 tries
- In 2001 he helped New Zealand win the Rugby World Cup Sevens.
2. Schalk Burger (South Africa)
Burger, a South African rugby titan, embodied tenacity and versatility throughout his illustrious career. Renowned for his fearless play as a flanker, he captained the Springboks and claimed the Rugby World Cup in 2007.
Burger's resilience, coupled with his relentless work ethic, earned him admiration as one of the game's greats.
Carter said: “A real competitor and absolute top bloke off the field as well. His mindset was a little bit different when he was out there competing. That just made him such a tough opponent to come up against.”
1. Jonny Wilkinson (England)
Wilkinson, an English rugby legend, epitomizes dedication and precision on the field. Renowned for his unmatched kicking prowess and fierce determination, he famously secured England's Rugby World Cup victory in 2003 with a dramatic last-minute drop goal.
Wilkinson's legacy extends beyond his accolades, inspiring generations with his commitment to excellence and humility.
CARTER SAID: “Probably because I held him in such high regard and had a huge amount of respect for him, it was Jonny Wilkinson. He was an absolute student of the game,
“It was a wild, windy test match down in Wellington, I was on the bench and I hadn’t played a test match for the All Blacks, and he just took that game and, as a 10 that wants to control a game, I’ve never seen anything like it.
“I got the best seats in the house on the bench. Part of me was going, ‘Man, do I really want to get on here because he’s just completely dominating this game’.
“Thankfully I didn’t. I made my test debut the following week, which was a much better game to remember, but I just remember sitting there going, ‘If I ever do play 10’ – I was playing 12 a lot then – ‘this is how you need to control a game’.
“I had a huge amount of respect for him and playing against him.”
Jonny Wilkinson facts:
- Wilkinson’s brother, Mark, was also a Newcastle player who made 16 appearances in the Premiership for the side between 2002 and 2005, predominantly as a centre. His father, Phil, was a rugby player and cricketer, and his mother, Philippa, played squash at county level. His grandfather, Phil, also played football for Norwich.
- When former England centre Jeremy Guscott walked into the dressing room on the day of Wilkinson’s international debut, he thought the 18-year-old had won a competition to spend the day with the national team.
- Wilkinson followed Buddhist principles and teachings to help control his perfectionist tendencies, according to an interview he gave with The Times newspaper in 2009.
- Jonny and Shelley became parents for the first time in late 2018. They keep their private life pretty much on lockdown, but according to reports, they had a little boy called James while they were still living in France.
- Wilkinson is currently a studio pundit for ITV Sport, working on their coverage of the Six Nations Championship, Rugby World Cup and other rugby events.
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