Leon MacDonald has departed his role as New Zealand assistant coach following a clash of coaching philosophies with head coach Scott Robertson. This decision arrives just five games into Robertson's tenure and ahead of a crucial two-test tour of South Africa. Despite the All Blacks securing four wins out of five matches under Robertson, the professional relationship between the two coaches was deemed untenable. Robertson and MacDonald mutually agreed that the best course of action for the team was to part ways to maintain harmony and cohesion. Assistant coach Scott Hansen and contact skills coach Tamati Ellison will assume MacDonald's responsibilities for the remainder of the season. Both parties expressed respect and appreciation for each other's contributions, emphasizing the decision was made in the best interest of the team.