Crusaders coach Scott Robertson should be the front-runner to take charge of the British & Irish Lions from compatriot Warren Gatland, according to English pundit Stuart Barnes.
Despite taking a 1-0 series lead against South Africa, Gatland's Lions couldn't replicate their performance in the second and third tests, falling to a 2-1 loss on Sunday (NZ time).
The Lions have drawn criticism from the UK for their style of play during the South Africa series, scoring only two tries across the three tests
After three tours as head coach, and one as an assistant, the South Africa series should be Gatland's last as Lions coach, contracted to New Zealand Rugby and the Chiefs.
That leaves the Lions in the market for a new coach heading towards their next series, against Australia in 2025, with former England and Lions first-five Barnes pinpointing Kiwi Robertson as the ideal candidate to take the reins.
Robertson, 46, earlier this year re-signed with NZ Rugby through to 2024, albeit with a clause that would free him to leave earlier than that - should he miss out on the All Blacks' head coaching role the next time it becomes available.
And writing in his column for the Times, Barnes suggests that keeping him away from the All Blacks' coaching role could be enough to warrant the Lions job on its own.
"Ask him (and maybe steal him from under the All Blacks' noses) and take Ronan O' Gara as No 2," Barnes says.
"That's a combination that would have beaten a Springbok team there for the taking.
"Let's have someone who will breakdance when his team wins, as Robertson does.
"Let's have a coach who will instill ambition rather than fear of failure. I'd sign Robertson tomorrow; the rest can wait two years."
Elsewhere, names such as Scotland's Gregor Townsend and Kiwi former Ireland coach Joe Schmidt have also been suggested to take over as the next head coach of the Lions.
Gatland's record as Lions head coach saw him win a series against Australia in 2013, draw with the All Blacks in 2017, and lose to the Springboks in 2021.
