Crusaders coach Scott Robertson's revelation of his bold international coaching ambitions have been questioned by All Blacks great Jeff Wilson, who believes the announcement was mistimed.
Last week during a podcast appearance, Robertson announced his goal to coach two test nations, confirming he was "open" to roles with other test nations.
With current All Blacks head coach Ian Foster facing intense scrutiny over his position and a daunting two-test jaunt to South Africa, Wilson criticised the timing of Robertson's statement, particularly given his alignment with NZ Rugby.
"The trouble is that Scott Robertson's come out and said he wants to win two Rugby World Cups with two different teams," Wilson said on Sky Sport's The Breakdown on Sunday. "He wants to get the opportunity to coach at the international level.
"It's interesting he said that when he's actually under contract with New Zealand Rugby. I find that difficult.
"The fact that he is going to coach the Barbarians… I think he had the opportunity to coach the All Blacks XV, he turned that down.
"So, we know exactly where Scott Robertson sits right now. His expectations are that he wants to go to the next level.
"But [the All Blacks] have a job to do and I think this has put, in some ways, New Zealand Rugby in a really difficult situation.
"Where does Ian Foster sit right now? He knows that he's got two test matches to deliver."
Speculation has swirled that Foster's future in the role rests on his results against the Springboks, where two more test defeats may put his job in jeopardy.
The chorus backing Robertson to take over the helm in the wake of the series defeat to Ireland is growing ever louder, and would reach deafening levels should the All Blacks return winless from the republic.
On Saturday, NZ Rugby chief executive Mark Robinson refused to guarantee Foster's job security beyond the upcoming two tests against the Springboks.
"He's certainly the person to lead the team to South Africa, and we're making sure they’ve got everything possible in the way of resourcing and support to make sure that's successful," Robinson told Newstalk ZB.
The 60-test All Blacks wing Wilson claimed - in light of the white-hot pressure on Foster's position - that Robertson's comments could be detrimental to his employer, NZ Rugby.
"Does this help the situation… him doing that interview when the All Blacks are under all sorts of pressure?" asked Wilson.
"Does this conversation help New Zealand Rugby, him coming out and saying this?"
Wilson and his co-host and fellow former All Black Mils Muliaina were in agreement that Foster had to - at the very least - win one of the tests in South Africa to secure his position.
"I think if they split two, I think if they win one over there and perform… then you can build some momentum.
"But the future is right in these two test matches [in South Africa]. If he lost both, it would be really hard, really difficult."
The All Blacks take on the Springboks at Mbombela on Sunday (NZ time), then again the following week at Johannesburg.
