All Blacks coach Scott Robertson denies NZ Rugby pressure as assistant steps down

It was announced on Thursday that assistant coach Jason Holland would be stepping down from his position following the end of his contract.

Holland, who has presided over a faltering backline, will be part of New Zealand's northern hemisphere tour but will then exit after their game against Wales in Cardiff.

It has raised questions as to why the 53-year-old will leave his role in the middle of a Rugby World Cup cycle.

Robertson's official line was that it was Holland's decision, but the All Blacks boss was asked if there was any pressure put on by the New Zealand Rugby board.

"Nothing really, it was just a conversation that he was coming to the end of his two years and he said: â˜It's time for me and thanks for everything'," the head coach responded.

"He's a really good coach and a good friend. I respect him for the tough decision, but there was nothing from above, not at all."

Robertson maintained his stance throughout the press conference, insisting that it was not a call made by him or the New Zealand hierarchy.

"Full respect to Jason for the decision he's made, it's obviously a tough one. He spoke with a lot of care to the group and from the heart, and he said: â˜It's his time and we'll finish strong,'" he said.

"It's hard to hear and what he said is from his heart. He's made the decision and we respect that.

"He's a pretty reflective guy and we're always connecting along the way. You have a discussion and do what's best for you and your family.

"He had a couple more days and then he came back to me and said: â˜This is the call I'm going to make'. You get on with it and you back him."

The timing also caught many people by surprise, given that they are about to embark on their northern hemisphere tour ahead of games against Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales.

However, Robertson insisted that it was better to announce it now than risk it being leaked and potentially disrupt their preparations for one of the games.

"We weighed up both and what's best for the team and for Jason, and we realised when he made his call, we thought it was best," he said.

"You know what the rugby world's like, someone's going to find out and you're going to write an article, and then we'll be second to the print!

"We just felt it was the right time and here we are. We're just being open and honest about it."

After the departures of Leon MacDonald, who wasn't replaced, and Holland, they will be searching for a new attack guru, but Robertson is not yet thinking about the ex-Hurricanes coach's successor.

"We haven't even gone down that, we've just been focusing on the northern tour, the Grand Slam and what's ahead of us, so we haven't gone down that track," he added.

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