Earbanean:

 

You've latched on to Scott Idiot Stevenson's' rant about this and gone on to state as fact here (an earlier) that Smith wasn't involved in the review.  However, have you, or anyone, seen any actual evidence that he wasn't involved in any way?  Yes, we all know he said he was blindsided by the OUTCOME of the review, but that doesn't necessarily mean he wasn't involved in it.  I imagine a number of people involved in the review would have been blindsided by the result - Scott Barrett, Scott Hansen, etc. 

 

Personally, I don't know whether or not he was involved - but you're making statements of fact about this.  So, please feel free to back up your statements with some actual evidence (given this is Geekzone and all).

 

Well, this doesn't say as much as you are asking, but it's pretty clear where Wayne Smith believes the situation was at : 

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/rugby/all-blacks/all-blacks-sir-wayne-smith-blindsided-by-scott-robertsons-sacking/JFUIQ3XWUZDTJGSQYF2LQNUGJY/

“Unfortunately, Razor hasn’t been given more time, greater opportunity to adapt and overcome many of the challenges new All Blacks coaches face,” Smith said.

Smith said from his time working with Robertson, he was more than capable of leading them towards the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

“I actually found Razor and his coaches to be extremely competent around their roles,” Smith said.

“Progress is often slow when you take over as a new AB coaching group. You learn as you go. Nothing truly prepares you for it.

I will look through my history tonight if I get home in time, I did see some comment in an article not from Scotty Stevenson saying he wasn't invited to participate in the review. Scotty Stevenson is one of the worst commentators I've had to listen to, but he isn't known for saying things that blatantly wrong, that's how you get sued. 

You've latched on to the fact David Kirk said it wasn't a player revolt. In order to say that truthfully, all he has to do is have another label he prefers to use instead of revolt.  If it comes down to it, I'd take Wayne Smiths word over Kirks. 

But, let me be clear. If Robertson had to go, he had to go. Within reason (Rennie and Eddie being my only two hard no's), I don't mind who takes us to the RWC. I want what's best for the AB's and for NZ Rugby. I think we have cooked any chance of a decent result in SA and of winning the RWC, simply because changing coaches mid cycle isn't usually a good idea. People suggesting that JJ is going to be our saving grace are choosing to ignore his most recent 5 years of coaching, which has been disappointing. He might be able to do better than Razer, time will tell, but I feel trying to find a decent coach mid cycle. I'm struggling to see how a change of coach puts us in better stead right now, as opposed to changes ala Fosters mid cycle review.