Scott Robertson explains Ethan Blackadder's All Blacks omission

Just under 10 months ago, All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson grinned as he endorsed the notion that workhorse loose forward Ethan Blackadder was possessed, such was his work rate around the park against the Springboks in Johannesburg. On Monday, when the first New Zealand squad of 2025 was announced, Blackadder’s name was not read.

The recently crowned Super Rugby Pacific champion was chewing through tackles, carries and cleanouts in the Crusaders’ run to glory, putting his best foot forward for another national selection.

Robertson was left with no questions over the injury-prone 30-year-old’s desire, but among an uber-talented field, someone had to miss out. He was asked directly if the 14-time All Black was hard done by.

“Yeah. Yes and no. He’s full of effort, isn’t he, Ethan? He’s got so much energy, and he just keeps going,” the coach told SportNation.

“You leave someone like him out, and you could name him as well as a couple of other players; it’s always tough. But those are the decisions you go with.

“The door is always open for everyone. I think we learned last year that the squad changed throughout the season, with the training, everything can happen. I’m sure we’ll have a look at Ethan at some stage.”

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins

3

Draws

0

Wins

2

Average Points scored

29

24

First try wins

20%

Home team wins

100%

Expanding on what exactly caused Blackadder’s omission, Robertson highlighted the need for effectiveness in contact against what will likely be a giant French pack.

“The big thing for Ethan is he’s just starting to play footy consistently. We look at all parts of the game. He’s very physical, he’s got great stats, high stats, but it’s the actual impact of them. So, converting those stats to post-carry metres, dominant tackles, and being clean and disciplined.

“So, a couple of areas for him. I actually haven’t talked to him, so I hope he isn’t listening to this live! I still need to pass that on to him, so there you go, Ethan.

“No, he’s a good man. I talked to him earlier, we all love him.”

While Blackadder was one of the first names to come to many fans’ minds, he was far from the only big omission in the loose forwards. Dalton Papali’i and Hoskins Sotutu have been left out, while rising star Peter Lakai had his chances at selection blown by injury.

Robertson made no bones about the fact that loose forward selections were the hardest to nail down, as has been the case for a few years now. Joining the back row as the toughest selection calls this year was the midfield, with a handful of players starring in Super Rugby, leading a recall for Quinn Tupaea and a first-time call-up for Timoci Tavatavanawai.

When asked about the toughest calls to make, Robertson sai: “Probably a mix between the midfield, the amount of players who can cover the outside backs, and the loose forwards, as you can tell. Everyone knows that, it’s quite clear.

“A couple of players played themselves in, like Du’Plessis (Kirifi) has been superb all year and in the midfield, it’s just a mix. People can cover a couple of positions, the utility factor. And so at 33, it just gives us that coverage for everything, so these three Tests we’ve got what we need on and off the field because training is so important. The preparations, the improvements we can make each week. That’s our balance.”