Leon MacDonald Leaves All Blacks Over Disagreements with Head Coach Robertson

Leon MacDonald has resigned as the assistant coach of the All Blacks due to disagreements with head coach Scott Robertson over the team's direction. The decision follows weeks of discussions between the two, ultimately leading to a mutual agreement to part ways. This development comes as the All Blacks prepare for their two-test tour of South Africa as part of the Rugby Championship.

In response to MacDonald's departure, assistant coach Scott Hansen and contact skills coach Tamati Ellison will take on additional responsibilities for the remainder of the season. Despite a rocky start to their Rugby Championship campaign, with a 38-30 defeat by Argentina, the All Blacks rebounded with a 42-10 victory over the same team. The upcoming matches against South Africa mark the first meeting between the two teams since South Africa's narrow 12-11 win in the World Cup final.