McDonald’s sudden departure was announced on Thursday as the All Blacks travel to South Africa to face the reigning Springboks for two Tests in the Rugby Championship.
All Blacks coach Scott Robertson said he and former team-mate MacDonald had different views on training. They have been working together for the All Blacks this year since Robertson took over.
The New Zealand Rugby couple have mutually agreed to part ways after several weeks of their relationship.
Former All Blacks forward Kronfeld, who played 54 Tests between 1995 and 2000, said the decision and timing of McDonald’s departure was a surprise.
“I was as shocked and quietly surprised as everyone else,” Kronfeld said.
“It’s too early to make a decision like that. The only thing I can think of is that they clearly knew there wasn’t a good way, so they went ahead as they did.
“The way they introduced him was very friendly.”
Macdonald left the All Blacks a week after their shock defeat to Argentina in Wellington and days after their 42-10 win over Las Pumas at Eden Park. He was with the team in all three of their Test matches in July, when they beat England (twice) and Fiji.
Robertson said their coaching philosophies did not match, two months after the All Blacks first met for the international season, with him and Macdonald as attack coach in the new coaching group. Other participants include Scott Hansen, Jason Holland and Tamity Ellison.
Macdonald was Robertson’s assistant at the Crusaders in 2017, but left to take up Tasman’s role at the NPC and was Blues coach from 2019 to 2023.
Conflicts between players and coaches of the same team are not uncommon in elite sport. They are filled with competitive personalities who strive to be the best.
Kronfeld isn’t sure why Robertson and MacDonald parted ways, but said there are always people who “don’t get along” in workplaces.
“Even in the top teams there are cliques and quirks, players not reaching 100%.”
“But if they can work together and function, that’s the job. In every workplace there are people you don’t get along with. It doesn’t matter if it’s rugby or any other activity.
MacDonald has not spoken publicly about his departure and his coaching future remains unclear.
Chris Lendrum, NZ Rugby’s director of professional rugby and performance, said MacDonald was taking a break and would be welcomed back as a coach in Super Rugby or the NPC.
Groenefeld said former All Blacks center McDonald, who earned 56 caps between 2000 and 2008, would have no problem considering a role with the Wallabies.
“It’s about these kids taking care of their own safety and their future with their families,” Kronfeld said.
“It will be a big leap in a different direction and another surprise, but you can’t blame any coach for looking after their future if they get a job abroad.”
“They’re rugby coaches, first and foremost, and they go where the work is.”
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