Scott Robertson's classy reaction to All Blacks humbling in Wellington

All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson has fronted the media following his side’s record 43–10 defeat to South Africa in Wellington, a result that stunned the Sky Stadium crowd and left serious questions hanging over New Zealand’s Rugby Championship campaign.

The All Blacks held a narrow 10–7 advantage at half-time but were blown away after the break, conceding five tries as the Springboks stormed to their biggest-ever victory over their great rivals.

Robertson was quick to acknowledge the scale of the performance from the visitors.

“Firstly I thought South Africa clearly played incredibly well and we’ll take the loss on the chin. They were clearly better in the second half. It was a game of two halves.

“It could have been [if] Cheslin Kolbe gambles on a pass and 14-nil could be seven all. It felt at halftime when we came in, we had done enough. We’d left a few opportunities out, and then in the second half, they won the aerial battle, they won the scraps, [we gave away] too many penalties around the set-piece.

Fixture

Rugby Championship

New Zealand

10 - 43

Full-time

South Africa

All Stats and Data

“There were a couple of really big moments there and the game got away.”

The coach was pressed on whether the collapse reflected a deeper preparation issue, but dismissed the suggestion.

“If it was preparation stuff we would have seen the signs early when they got rolling. I’ve just got to say, South Africa have been criticised for their aerial game and their kicking over the years, but they put so much value and so much time into that, and the way they play, they get return on it. They’re just so good at it.

“We’ve done a lot of prep on it but they just owned that area and ended up putting so much pressure on us. Well done to them, they know their DNA.”

As for why the All Blacks unravelled so badly after the break, Robertson admitted he was still searching for answers.

“It’s something we’ll have a look at. We’ve got to find out pretty quickly as we have a big Bledisloe coming.”

Robertson admitted the pummelling was a result that personally hurt him.

“Yeah, look, you just get extremely disappointed because you put so much work, effort, ethic into the team and culturally, and you set yourselves up to dig in and show grit — and then that happens.

“We couldn’t really buy anything because we couldn’t get anything happening, and they just went on a tear. Congratulations to them. There were some great efforts out there by us and great performances by them.

“But look, we’ll probably have to have a look in a little bit more detail before I forget it back. But yeah, of course, something like that, it’s going to hurt you.

Robertson believes take accountability for the loss will be the first step in bouncing back.

“Firstly [we need to], own it – what areas we need to own – and then go and get some responsibility and find out what we need to fix.

“We’re not going to be chasing too many things. We’re going to be clear about what matters most to us, on and off the field. Be really clear, and then get a plan and look forward to this next game.”