Re-appointed Wales coach Warren Gatland has urged NZ Rugby to retain the services of Scott Robertson and appoint him as the next coach of the All Blacks, before losing him.
Despite six Super Rugby titles in six years with the Crusaders, Robertson has twice missed out on the national role - once in 2019, after Sir Steve Hansen stepped down, and again this year, as incumbent Ian Foster held onto his job following a poor start to the year.
Robertson, 48, has made no secret of his desire to coach at test level and his current NZ Rugby contract contains an 'out' clause, if he misses out on the All Blacks job again after next year's World Cup.
Should NZ Rugby hesitate, Robertson has been strongly linked with England, as a successor to current coach Eddie Jones, whose future is uncertain, after poor 2022 results.
NZ Rugby boss Mark Robinson has acknowledged the risk of losing Robertson, as one of many Kiwi coaches to secure an overseas role.
Gatland is leaving the Chiefs director of rugby role for a second stint in charge of Wales, but insists Robertson should be the next cab off the rank to lead the All Blacks.
"Those opportunities come about from performance and results," said Gatland. "There's one person at the moment in New Zealand who's been incredibly successful, in terms of 'Razor'.
"He deserves an opportunity, because of the success he's had in New Zealand rugby, if that comes along for him in the next period.
"There's only one standout person and New Zealand should be doing everything they can to make sure they secure his services, long term and going forward."
Gatland says NZ Rugby can't delay the next appointment until after the 2023 World Cup, as it did after the 2019 tournament.
"Things have changed in world rugby," he continued. "In the past, New Zealand would advertise for All Black positions and think 30 coaches in the world would put their name forward.
"Then, all of a sudden, they realise they've only had two people put their names forward - which is what happened last time.
"You've got to change your focus in terms of identifying the people you want to talk to. You've got to keep that as confidential as possible.
"That process should be starting now - you can't wait until after the World Cup and think people are going to come knocking on your door. It doesn't happen in professional sport.
"That's how other countries operate and other countries are doing that at the moment.
"Some of them are looking to make appointments early next year or make announcements early next year."
Gatland, 59, also conceded his own chance at the All Blacks job might have gone, after rejoining Wales. The British & Irish Lions coach will his old team to next year's World Cup, but could also continue to the 2027 tournament in Australia.
"I don't plan those things, I never have," he said. "I don't have an agent, I don't have a CV.
"I'm a great believer in what will be, something will come along.
"My contract with New Zealand was until next year. An opportunity has come along that I wasn't expecting.
"I love a challenge, and didn't want to walk away from [Wales] and not accept it."
