'Learn on stage': Cohesion the key for Robertson as All Blacks resist mass changes

Scott Robertson has named just four new faces in the starting line-up for the opening Bledisloe Cup Test at Eden Park following the record loss at the hands of the Springboks.

The team has resisted making mass changes, only making necessary adjustments following the loss of captain Scott Barrett to an arm injury and the return of a few starters from injury.

Halfback Cam Roigard has been named in the No.9 jersey for the first time since July, centurion hooker Codie Taylor is back in the starting front row, while Caleb Clarke returns on the left wing.

Tony Brown explains Willie le Roux’s role

Tony Brown explains Willie le Roux’s role

The message from Robertson has been to trust the cohesion factor as they attempt to retain the Bledisloe Cup for another year.

“We’ve had five changes for this Test, but we believe a lot of the combinations and cohesion of the group is really important for us to keep that connection,” Robertson said.

“They won a title fight together [at Eden Park against the Springboks] and it’s there opportunity to go and do it again this weekend for the Bledisloe.

“There is small margins in games,” he said reflecting on the last start against the Springboks in Wellington.

“We chased a game that got away from us but for the majority we played some really good footy. A lot of the core group of those guys get to play again, you learn on stage being under the spotlight. It’s another chance for them.

“It’s great to have a couple of halfbacks back and a 100 Test hooker, and good to have Caleb back on the wing. Obviously very important for the aerial game.

“You bring those four back and keep the cohesion of the rest of the group that’s when you start to cement a bit of form together with combinations.”

The bench unit provides a lot of experience that was missing in Wellington, with just one player with under 10 Test caps in loose forward Peter Lakai.

Samisoni Taukei’aho and Damian McKenzie move from the starting side to the bench, while veteran lock Patrick Tuipulotu also returns from injury.

“With Peter Lakai coming in it’s great for him to get another Test with his versatility and power, one of the reasons we picked him,” he said.

“We’ve got a group of guys, he’s the only one with under 10 caps, we’ve got a bench that’s experience.

“Patrick [Tuipulotu] is a chief in our group. He’s some impact player.”

Tuipulotu comes into the 23 on the bench instead of as a straight replacement in the starting side for Barrett. Fabian Holland will start with Tupou Vaa’i in the second row.

The head coach explained it was a difficult call to leave his captain out of the game, with Ardie Savea taking over the captaincy in his place.

“Scott Barrett is out with a shoulder, he hurt it last week, played and finished the game with a shoulder injury,” Robertson explained.

“He’s so mentally and physically tough, for him not to play this one, it’s pretty hard not to see his name up there. He’s just not quite right for this weekend and pushing to get back next weekend.”