Thunderbolt in New Zealand. Ardie Savea, a monument of world rugby (106 caps), is said to be unhappy with and at odds with the All Blacks staff, led by Scott Robertson. The story was broken by the New Zealand Herald. And it has already landed like a bomb.

It has to be said that the national side’s results are clearly not good enough. Granted, the talent pool is probably shallower than it was a few seasons ago. The performances, too, are pleasing nobody.

The proof: Scott Robertson’s assistants, Leon MacDonald and Jason Holland, have jumped ship. As for Ardie Savea, he is even considering staying in Japan or joining Leinster, where Rieko Ioane plays. And all this a year out from the World Cup…