Rugby Championship : All Blacks' coaching future sparks debate among candidates

New Zealand Rugby conducts final interviews this week for the next All Blacks head coach. After the dismissal of Scott Robertson, two frontrunners emerge: Dave Rennie and Jamie Joseph. Steve Lancaster and Dane Coles assess both candidates in recent weeks, and in-person interviews are the last step before a preferred candidate is presented to the board. An announcement could come as early as Thursday.

1News NZ reports Joseph is more inclined to retain members of Robertson’s coaching staff than Rennie. New Zealand Rugby Chair David Kirk confirms Jason Ryan, Tamati Ellison, and Scott Hansen remain on the payroll, but the new head coach can choose their assistants.

Rennie’s hesitation to collaborate with the trio could impact his chances, while Joseph's openness may work in his favor. Both candidates face pressure to step down from their current roles at the Highlanders and Kobe Steelers, respectively.