The All Blacks ROCKED when the assistant resigned on the eve of the South African tour, five Tests before Razor’s new era

It has only been five games since Scott Robertson took over as coach of the All Blacks, and the national team has already been rocked by the news that experienced assistant Leon MacDonald will be leaving the team with immediate effect.

The All Blacks announced the news on Thursday as the three-time world champions prepared to face the Springboks in South Africa for the first time since their heartbreaking 12-11 loss in last year’s World Cup final.

MacDonald, the versatile former Crusaders and All Blacks running back, left the Blues last year to join his former teammate’s new-look national coaching team and in his place the Blues ended their Super Rugby drought under Vern Cotter.

Leon MacDonald has parted ways with Scott Robertson’s All Blacks after just five test matches. (Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)

In his place, assistant coach Scott Hansen and contact coach Tamati Ellison will take on additional duties for the remainder of the season.

“Leon and I have been having some honest conversations for some time,” Robertson said.

“As coaches we have different views and we both agreed it wasn’t working. Leon and I care deeply about the All Blacks and we believe we made a decision that is best for this team.

“There is a lot of respect and appreciation within the group for Leon and the work he has done to get us to this point in our journey. As a team we have recognised that contribution and now we need to focus on South Africa, which will be two tough Test matches there.”

Chris Lendrum, New Zealand Rugby’s head of professional rugby and performance, added: “They have two great coaches who have had some intense but constructive discussions about the approach to the All Blacks for some time. Ultimately they have made a bold decision that they believe is the best thing for the team.”

“Leon is a highly respected coach and has made a huge contribution to rugby for several New Zealand teams. We would love to have him back in our system in the future. On behalf of NZR, I would like to thank him and wish him all the best.”

Scott Robertson has lost one of his assistants at the start of his first year as coach of the All Blacks. (Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)

The All Blacks announced a 36-man touring party on Wednesday, with versatile Blues defender Harry Plummer remaining in the team.

New captain Scott Barrett is expected to be fit for the two-match tour after missing the games against Argentina, while Patrick Tuipulotu is not yet fit.

Squad:

Forward:

Asafo Aumua, Codie Taylor, George Bell, Ethan De Groot, Tyrel Lomax, Fletcher Newell, Pasilio Tosi, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Tamaiti Williams, Scott Barrett, Tupou Vaa’i, Josh Lord, Sam Darry, Ethan Blackadder, Sam Cane, Samipeni Finau, Luke Jacobson, Dalton Papali’i, Ardie Savea, Wallace Sititi.

Back:

Noah Hotham, TJ Perenara, Cortez Ratima, Beauden Barrett, Damian McKenzie, Jordie Barrett, David Havili, Rieko loane, Anton Lienert-Brown, Billy Proctor, Caleb Clarke, Will Jordan, Ruben Love, Sevu Reece, Mark Tele’a, Harry Plummer.