Former All Blacks captain Justin Marshall claims Scott Robertson was not given prior warning by New Zealand Rugby before news broke of his sacking as coach.
Robertson was axed on January 15 with New Zealand sitting second in the rankings ahead of next year's Rugby World Cup in Australia.
The 51-year-old released a statement saying he was "gutted by this outcome" but has not yet given any interviews.
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"I've caught up with Razor, since what happened, all on that really bizarre day," Marshall said on The Good, The Bad & The Rugby podcast.
"Seeing him, probably about 10 days after that, was difficult. As we know, he wears his heart on his sleeve, Razor, and he cares about every team he coaches.
"And in particular, his biggest passion was to coach the All Blacks. So to have to be told on that day, like everybody else, you know…
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"He got told at the same time as the story was unfolding – that he would no longer be the All Blacks coach – was something that took him massively by surprise. Because, obviously, he was getting told when the rest of the world was being told.
"He had no heads up and then there was no ability to, have any more conversations. The decision was made and taken out of his control."
Marshall and Robertson are former Canterbury, Crusaders and All Blacks teammates.
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"That's never going to be easy. You're All Blacks coach, it doesn't only play out in the media, it plays out in the public, and it plays out all over the world because it's massive news," Marshall said.
"So that's never easy. He's got a family, his wife and kids… you'd be lying if it didn't affect any person, you know, if you get news like that.
"And I know he had huge aspirations and ambition to take this team to deliver a Rugby World Cup to this country.
"And when you're then told you can't do that, imagine how that feels."
NZR are yet to announce Robertson's successor.
Dave Rennie and Jamie Joseph are the favourites while Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham is being touted as a possible assistant.
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