What a Scott Robertson-coached All Blacks lineup might look like

The question on everyone’s lips in New Zealand is when is Scott Robertson taking over the All Blacks? But the real question should be, what changes would he make if he was in charge?

The Crusaders head coach has won six Super Rugby titles in the six years he has been in charge of the Christchurch-based side, so you would expect a large contingent of his players would be included in his All Blacks team.

Here’s what a potential Scott Robertson-coached All Blacks lineup might look like with Razor calling the shots.

1. George Bower

The Crusaders loosehead prop was already an All Black starter against Ireland, taking over the starting role from the injured Joe Moody. He would be expected to keep his place in the front row.

2. Samisoni Taukei’aho

You’d expect Codie Taylor to get the job at hooker, but after a faltering lineout in the third test, Robertson shouldn’t resist the power of blockbusting Chiefs rake Samisoni Taukei’aho to added some much needed impact to the carry game.

3. Ofa Tu’ungafasi

After Nepo Laulala’s performance in the third test, the more experienced tighthead Ofa Tu’ungafasi would likely get his starting job back.

4. Tupou Vaa’i

Although the Retallick-Whitelock combo has been in play for a long time, all good things come to an end. With Whitelock being so critical to running the All Blacks lineout, Retallick falls out of the side for the young Chiefs lock Tupou Vaa’i.

5. Sam Whitelock

The All Blacks and Crusaders veteran gets the nod to pack down in the second row and keep New Zealand’s lineout humming.

6. Scott Barrett (c)

Unfortunately ruled out of the final test, Barrett replenishes the role at blindside, offering an extra jumping option for the All Blacks pack. One of the form players in Super Rugby under Robertson, leading the Crusaders to this year’s title, the best Barrett brother would be expected to make waves under Razor’s coaching and would wear the captain’s badge with an eye on the future.

7. Ardie Savea

Perhaps the biggest selection move is at No 7, where Ardie Savea takes over from Sam Cane. When Savea is on the hunt, he brings some sorely needed poaching ability to the All Blacks defence.

8. Cullen Grace

Robertson quipped during the Super Rugby Pacific playoffs that Cullen Grace was “playing like an All Black”, so the one-test No 8 would surely see a recall if Robertson took charge of the All Blacks. Grace would be handed the role at the back of the scrum to become the next Kieran Read.

9. Aaron Smith

With probably a couple more seasons of Aaron Smith’s career left, Robertson would probably back the centurion to do the job at halfback.

10. Richie Mo’unga

Richie Mo, aka Mr Super Rugby, gets another shot to prove his test rugby credentials with the backing of Robertson to run the All Blacks backline like a point guard.

11. Rieko Ioane

The whole Ioane-at-centre thing would be thrown in the can under Robertson as the Blues weapon reprises his role on the left wing, where he won his World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year award in 2017.

12. Jordie Barrett

Yes, Jordie is back at 12. But wait, there’s more. The one-time Canterbury second-five is back in the saddle with his Lincoln Uni teammate Jack Goodhue. A NPC-winning midfield combination under Robertson, Barrett’s potential would be unleashed at second-five as absolutely drills his opposition into the turf with his massive shoulder.

13. Jack Goodhue

Goodhue returns to the 13 jersey to bring some distribution back into the midfield. The Crusader brings his offloading game into the mix to ignite the All Blacks attack.

14. Sevu Reece

The Crusaders right wing is no stranger to scoring tries on the end of Robertson’s backline. Reece keeps the 14 jersey and continues his hot scoring form.

15. Will Jordan

Possibly the best rugby player in New Zealand, the explosive Will Jordan gets a chance at the back in the 15 jersey. A tall man, he is just as safe under the high ball.

Reserves

16. Codie Taylor
17. Ethan De Groot
18. Tamaiti Williams
19. Quintin Strange
20. Shannon Frizell / Hoskins Sotutu / Akira Ioane
21. Folau Fakatava
22. Beauden Barrett
23. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck

Let us know your preferred lineup in the comments below.