They say patience is a virtue and that's precisely the approach Scott Robertson is taking to the prospect of his first foray into the test arena.
While Robertson insists he's content to play spectator as he watches the global coaching carousel begin, he's waiting to see which way one critical domino falls - that of All Blacks coach Steve Hansen.
The 44-year-old Crusaders coach is contracted through until the end of 2019 and what lies beyond may be dictated by the All Blacks incumbent, who is expected to make an announcement on his future before the end of the year.
"I'm working tightly with NZ Rugby at the moment around what it looks like," said Robertson about his contract situation.
"I think the biggest thing for me, that’s served me well, is the patience side of it and the ability to get your timing right. I've got a great job at the moment, and I've got a big decision in the next three or four months.
"We'll just see where the cards fall with the other coaches and what opportunities there are.
"We know that Steve [Hansen's] going to make a play soon, so we'll see what he has to say."
Although he's still enjoying life with the Super Rugby champions, Robertson says he's considering all opportunities and the prospect of taking the helm of one of sport's winningest teams is a lure too large to look past.
"When you're in a professional environment, you need to look at all options and that's what I'm doing at the moment.
"Foremost, it's here at the Crusaders. It's got great continuity, good cohesion, I love the boys.
"The All Blacks job doesn't come up too often though, does it, so when it does, you have to have a very good look at it. Like I said, the decision form Steve will be a big part of it."
Ireland coach Joe Schmidt's announcement that he'll step away from all rugby to focus on his family after next year's World Cup means Robertson's pathway to any potential vacancy would be significantly clearer.
But Robertson believes it may simply be a chance for the New Zealander to recharge and reassess, before returning to the fold.
"To finish coaching at 53, he might just need a year or two to fill his tank again, but I know that test rugby does take its toll.
"It might just be a chance for him to step back for a couple years and look at what the next opportunity is."
Other leading candidates to take over the All Blacks job, should Hansen step down, include current assistant coach Ian Foster and Wales coach Warren Gatland.
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