Scott Robertson outlines considerations for 2025 All Blacks selection

The game of rugby is constantly evolving, and there is always more for coaches to consider. All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson, deep into internal selection debates ahead of the 2025 international season, is in the process of running through all of those variables.

One of the developments over recent years is both the importance and tactics of the bench, with the likes of South Africa and France recently opting for six forwards and two backs in their respective reserve units to keep up with the physicality of Test matches up front.

A 6/2 bench split is one of the tactics Robertson has been considering, having already evolved his usage of the bench throughout 2024.

“I think you look at it, statistically, how powerful it is, 6/2s. 7/1s have been successful as well. It depends on your squad and your team early on,” the coach told SportNation‘s Scott and Izzy radio show.

“Early on (in 2024), when we had a number of those injuries, we had a really young, inexperienced bench in those first five, six Tests, and then we got a few of those players back.

“You look at the balance of those 6/2s, having two loose forwards and a lock, plus explosive front rowers that come on and change the game. How and when do you put them on?

“You look at all of those facets that have been successful in the past, and then you also go to the risk factors as well, and particularly in the backs, someone’s potentially going to be playing out of position for a long time. So, there is a risk factor to it.

“But, also, was it mitigated by turning the game around with 30 minutes to go? Can you put a whole new forward pack on? Who you’re playing, where you’re playing, they’re all critical questions. And the depth of your squad, your experience of the players that are coming on.”

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Some significant experience has walked out of New Zealand Rugby’s door for greener pastures, with former All Blacks captain Sam Cane and 89-Test halfback both opting to take up contracts in Japan to see out their careers. The respective moves make the veterans ineligible for All Blacks selection.

That opens the door for two new faces, and there’s always a chance more could filter in should their Super Rugby Pacific form continue under the bright lights of the playoffs.

“You always have a position for someone to come through and perform really well. We’re pretty close now from naming a side, it’s close to 50 days,” Robertson explained.

“So, you’ve got a few round-robin games before you come into finals. You might have a few close calls, a lot of these players basically pick themselves with their performance, ability, consistency, and in the bigger games you get to see them. That’s their advantage.

“But, it’s a summation of the whole season, too. Some guys come out of the blocks really fast; great, we see what they can do early, but can they sustain that over a long period? And you see them in different styles of games.

“And there’s also the versatility, can they play one or two positions? We’ll pick 35 for this first series, 24 (forwards), 15 backs. So, you’ve got to have a few guys that can play two, maybe three positions. And they get to do that at Super Rugby, so you might see them at seven, and then they play at eight a little bit more, or cover six. That versatility’s so important.”

Also offering opportunities for fringe prospects are a number of injuries that have sidelined established All Blacks. Will Jordan went down with a knee injury against the Chiefs last weekend, but is expected to return to match fitness before the end of the Super Rugby Pacific season.

Anton Lienert-Brown, on the other hand, copped a broken collarbone at the end of April, and his recovery is expected to “push the timelines” of All Blacks selection.

Robertson was asked about the midfield selections in particular, with players like Quinn Tupaea pushing the incumbents for form.

“Good question. We’re settling,” the coach grinned. “You keep open, you genuinely always look at each week, and we’ll meet up, come with the facts, come with gut feelings, and come with what you’re seeing so people can challenge you.

“It’s a good process, from the first year to this year, what’s required at the Test level. We’ve got a lot of experienced guys who have been there for long periods of time. How are players going to complement them? How fast can they grow in the environment, too? That’s a big one.

“But, look, guys are in good form. I’m not going to say names because it’ll be headlines. As soon as I start doing that, it creates a different storyline.

“But, there are some guys in really good form, and we’re really pleased. But there are always injuries, you always have to have someone who’s next, and so we dig into that as well. If they’re not there, who is it? Who can cover these positions, because they’re so versatile, and that’s a big part of it as well.”