Northern Edition

Select Edition

Northern Northern
Southern Southern
Global Global
New Zealand New Zealand
France France

LONG READ Scott Robertson has mounting problems to fix for misfiring All Blacks

Scott Robertson has mounting problems to fix for misfiring All Blacks
3 weeks ago

The Scott Robertson era has not delivered in line with expectation, having produced just four wins in his first seven tests.

When he was given the job in March last year at the end of an unprecedented decision to conduct the process for the next All Blacks coach when incumbent Ian Foster still had six months to run on his contract, the sales pitch to media was all about bringing change in 2024.

And change, so the narrative went, would bring improved results – it would see an end to shock losses to Argentina and boost the All Blacks past Ireland and the Springboks to the top of the world rankings.

But here we are now, halfway through Robertson’s first year in charge and there has been a shock loss to Argentina and two defeats to the Springboks, making it impossible – maybe not mathematically – to see the All Blacks finishing the year any higher than number two in the world.

Even that, though, is a stretch because not only do they still have to play England, Ireland and France in consecutive weekends in November, they have a multitude of selection and strategy decisions to work out, as the two tests in South Africa exposed some failings in both areas.

As one of life’s great optimists, Robertson was willing to cast both defeats in a positive light. He emphasised that in both games, the All Blacks were in control through the first 60 minutes, only to lose the momentum when the Boks brought on their fabled bomb squad and shifted the dynamic.

Scott Robertson
Scott Robertson has much to consider after a mixed start to his coaching reign (Photo Hannah Peters/Getty Images)

“We are playing some good footy,” he said after the second test. “I want to try and be a little bit more optimistic here, because, man, we were one pass many times from breaking them. Our attack shape, our care on defence, the most breakdown turnovers I think South Africa has ever had against them.”

His view on why the second test slipped away was much the same as the one he offered after a 27-17 lead was given up at Ellis Park the week before and turned into a 31-27 defeat.

“Probably converting a couple of opportunities with kicking a goal here and there, as simple as that really,” he said.

“You’ve got a team who are hugely desperate and world number one, you’re away for a couple of weeks and we had two chances to win it, we didn’t take it and that’s Test footy.

“It’s there, that’s the great thing about it. It’s there for us. We’ve got to be brave and be clutch and take it.”

It’s true that Robertson appeared to lose his way with selections, panicking to some extent after the first test by dropping veterans TJ Perenara and Beauden Barrett to the bench.

His optimism is understandable. The All Blacks scored four tries at Ellis Park, had the Boks in trouble in Cape Town and created enough opportunities to win both tests.

There were patches of fluid attack, big defence and cohesive rugby that saw the All Blacks effortlessly stretch the Springboks, and Robertson’s assessment that his team really were just one good pass or dropped ball away from scoring a lot of points in both Tests is credible.

But equally, it’s true that Robertson appeared to lose his way with selections, panicking to some extent after the first test by dropping veterans TJ Perenara and Beauden Barrett to the bench to counter the bomb squad, promoting Wallace Sititi to blindside where he had only played two first class games in his fledgling professional career, and restoring Will Jordan to fullback, where he looked gun-shy and ineffective.

The impression was given that the second test team was picked more in hope than expectation, and Robertson and his fellow selectors need to make some hard decisions and stick to them for the remainder of the year at least, if not the rest of this World Cup cycle if they are going to develop the art of winning those close encounters.

Will Jordan
Robertson is flip-flopping in selection and that indecision is affecting the fluency of strike runners like Will Jordan (Photo Dirk Kotze/Getty Images)

Robertson, like his predecessors, has said he values versatility in his squad – sees it as a major advantage having players who can play two or more positions.

But as much as this has proven to be a blessing over the years, so too has it been a curse and Robertson may be befuddling himself by trying to fit who he sees as the best players into the team, even if it means ramming them in there out of position.

Sititi, just 22 and who was barely heard of prior to this year’s Super Rugby competition, made his presence felt wearing No 6, but it is not his natural position.

He’s a No 8 who was asked to play out of position because incumbent Ethan Blackadder picked up an injury in Johannesburg.

As Robertson noted of Sititi: “He can play, can’t he? I’m really pleased for him. He’s an exceptional young man when you get to know him.

“He’s got a great skill set. He’s mentally tough, he’s physically tough. It’s hard to believe he’s so young and performs like that.”

Previous All Blacks coaches have made the mistake of believing they can ignore the specifics of each back-row position and shift individuals as circumstances dictate, but there is no evidence it ever worked.

But continuing with Sititi out of position seems like it would be a mistake – one borne of desperation because Robertson can’t quite find the player he is looking for at blindside.

He started the season with Samipeni Finau in the No 6 jersey, then tried Luke Jacobson, before switching Blackadder there after fielding the Crusaders loose forward at openside against Fiji.

Previous All Blacks coaches have made the mistake of believing they can ignore the specifics of each back-row position and shift individuals as circumstances dictate, but there is no evidence it ever worked.

In stark contrast, the All Blacks best back-row of the last 20 years – probably ever – was Jerome Kaino at blindside, Richie McCaw at openside and Kieran Read at No 8 – and it was a combination that came right in 2009 when the coaching group swapped Kaino (who had been used as a No 8) and Read (who had won caps at blindside) and then committed to keeping them there.

Wallace Sititi
Wallace Sititi was one of the All Blacks’ standout players in Cape Town but there is an argument for playing him at No 8 (Photo by RODGER BOSCH/Getty Images)

There is a strong argument now that Robertson needs to be similarly decisive and commit to Sititi as his No 8, switch Ardie Savea to his natural home of openside and continue the search for a specialist No 6.

Converting Sititi seems a dangerous road, as Savea has already been shifted from openside to play at No 8, and Sam Cane, who is currently the preferred No 7 is set to leave New Zealand at the end of the year, which means the hunt will be on for a new openside in 2025.

Shannon Frizell may return from Japan next year giving the All Blacks the bruising, 1.95m, 114kg blindside they are after, and a backrow of him, Sititi and Savea has the feel of one that could go the distance to the World Cup with every base covered.

It would be a combination with defensive grunt, ball-carrying power, speed, presence and technical expertise at the breakdown and lineout capabilities.

Equally, there is a case to be made that Robertson has to fix on what he is doing with Beauden Barrett.

The veteran began the season on the bench, made such an impact in the two tests against England, that he was promoted to the starting XV, and stayed there until he was dropped back to the bench for the Cape Town Test – a move that enabled Will Jordan to play in his preferred fullback role.

But Jordan was exposed as lacking the skills and positional anticipation to deal with South Africa’s contestable kicking strategy and was subbed off after 60 minutes.

Robertson needs to make his mind up whether Barrett is a fullback, bench player or No 10, and also, he needs to commit to Jordan being a wing or fullback.

He may fear that committing to Barrett, who has turned 33, may be risky as he’d be 36 in 2027 – but the Springboks are still picking the 35-year-old Willie Le Roux at fullback and getting plenty out of him.

And the final decision to be made is whether to give-up what has been a four-year experiment to convert Rieko Ioane from a world class wing to a world class centre.

Rieko Ioane
Rieko Ioane is also another pawn suffering from being moved around positionally (Photo Grant Pitcher/Getty Images)

Ioane was dropped for the Rugby Championship opener against Argentina and then returned to the No 13 jersey for the re-match – suggesting Robertson is not convinced that he has one of his best players in the right position.

But against South Africa in Cape Town, Ioane was shifted to the wing in the final 20 minutes and provided a strong reminder that’s where he causes the most damage.

Ioane wants to play centre but the All Blacks need him on the wing, where his pace and power can be better utilised, and that would open the way for 25-yerar-old Billy Proctor to be installed in the midfield alongside his Hurricanes partner Jordie Barrett.

Robertson is not delivering in line with expectation, but there is at least a clear pathway for him to follow to correct that.

Comments

111 Comments
T
Teddy 24 days ago

The only problem is the fans expectations. They can't accept the ABs for the 4th or 3rd best team they currently are. The dominant days are gone.


McCaw, Carter etc weren't once in a generation. They were once in a lifetime. They've nothing comparable now.


They also use a natural fullback - with the physical dimensions of a child - as a fly halve!?


Those permitted to play for them have to stay in NZ and kick it in a farmers league which ill prepares them.


They've very little underage talent coming through and they can no longer rely on nicking Pacific islanders.


Lowe, Aki and Gibson-Park weren't poached by the Irish system. They were rejected by the NZ system. Says it all.


It's over.

F
Forward pass 22 days ago

Haha such a lot of shit in a single comment. So not being selected for your national side is being rejected eh? Well I see lots of Irish, English, Welsch, Scotish, French and SA players running around in your weak comps that were rejected too then I suppose. Says it all.

R
Rooksie 24 days ago

Man u really waffle alot of crap don't ya

F
Fja Camp 24 days ago

There is players just need time to build have to do player conversations like before sotutu move him to lock etc

F
Fja Camp 24 days ago

Barritt should not be captain

F
Forward pass 22 days ago

He isnt. Barrett is.

R
Rooksie 24 days ago

Who

B
BM 24 days ago

He sure does need to commit each time someone show genuine promise!!

T
Teddy 24 days ago

He could take the renegade approach and actually pick a proper number 10? There must be one or two who still play in NZ?


A player with even rudimentary skills to fulfil the specialist role that it is?


The opposition will always have a chance when Sam "shyte Richie McCaw" is on the pitch too.

F
Forward pass 22 days ago

Well that shyte Richie beat your shyte players at EVERY WC 1/4 they have played against each other in. 2019 and 2023. Shyte ireland actually.

R
Rooksie 24 days ago

I am absolutely amazed as why u are not coaching the all blacks bro ..u reckon u know everything

B
BM 24 days ago

Yep otherwise candidates might take flight elsewhere, Teddy!

A
Another 24 days ago

Ongoing injury management might play it’s part but there is a growing depth of talent in the loose forwards - but the primary combination needs to be reconsidered. We know that Cane will be gone soon but we also know that both Blackadder and Sititi can combine with Savea effectively. Push Savea to the flank to give Sititi a crack as No.8 then you have a strong attack and defence. You can also have back up by Jacobson, Papali’i and Finau currently, but also potentially Frizzel and Lakai in the background too. That is depth.


I think if you get the loose forward combination right then the rest of the team, as a whole, will function better. The depth from the bench will also improve.

T
Teddy 25 days ago

Wasn't Ricky Razors meant to be their Messiah!?

M
MQ 26 days ago

Like those suggestions re backrow and the 3/4’s.Team is in transition at the moment so we are just going to have to suck it up results wise which I see getting worse before better as I can’t see us getting anything from the AI’s v Ireland,France and England.Just as well the Wallabies are so terrible as we will have to try quite hard to lose the Bledisloe this year.

i
ig 26 days ago

It is disappointing to see us under performing but if there is a longer term plan to build for the next world cup as a priority, I would rather that focus than our traditional need to win every match with little thought to the future.

M
MO 26 days ago

Problems with ABs has been on going for some time -


1. Unable to score in 4th quarter

2. Give away silly penalties

3. Problems against rush defense

4. Having leads overturned

5. Highest number of Yellow (& Red) cards

6. Inaccuracy - passing, catching

7. Poor tactical kicking


Razor has not changed or altered any of these bad habits from the past

R
Rooksie 25 days ago

What do u mean habits from the past ...the backline was pretty gd when Richie was first 5...it's only since dmac has taken over that it looks like they running round and round like silly chooks .Razor can only do so much..not whitelock ..Retalik..smith..Richie..and the rest ..how u want Razer to stop the yellow cards ..or stop giving away silly penalties..they are grown men ..in my opinion..and it's only mine ..our biggest problem is we don't have a general at 10 ..someone who can kick us out of trouble..set up attacks ..

T
Teddy 25 days ago

Yep. He even gave the captaincy to one of the most carded locks in test rugby.

N
NS 26 days ago

We need big bodies to match European and South African Team. NZ got them in heaps. The end of the year Northern Hemisphere tour is coming and it is the perfect time to realign and makes changes.

Firstly, a few pointers for Razor. BB and DMAc are not 1st Fives. As long as these two start all blacks will never win big games. Pick only one in the reserve for big games as cover for FB. Richie Moanga is ok and better than BB and DMAc at 1st five. If Richie is available BB and Dmac should never be picked.

Secondly, Rico has to go. Rico is the reason why all blacks did not win the world cup. It was lost in the quarter final when he sledged departing Irish player. Perhaps if he had performed a haka and bring him to tears rather than derail him in his last day, Rugby Gods will be smiling at AB. It is karma. Like Gregans "wait 4 more years" Sledge and Australia lost the final to England

On the other hand, you see the South African players will never ever do such acts and go down that low. They are very respectful and good people and they will keep winning. Rugby Gods will make South Africa win and they will keep winning unless Scott makes these changes

Thirdly, Don't let Sam Cane go. All Blacks have to keep him for big games. All Blacks Maul Defense is good because of him. Just keep him at test level and no other Rugby or very minimal club Rugby. Young loosies should hang around with Cane and learn about humility and respect

A message to BB, Dmac, Rico, Ardie Savea and TJ. Please make yourselves unavailable for 2 years. Ardie you are good but not a Back Row. You are too light.

That out of the way, now let’s select the team.

Front row sorted out by Jason Ryan. Won’t talk about it.

Locking sorted out with Tupou, Scott, Darry, Pat Tuipulotu and Josh Lord

Loosies. Do away with Ardie for a while. Go with Siti, Sotutu, Cane, Ethan, Jacobson, Papalii and Finau, Peter Lakai

Young stars like Satiti and Finau have to be grounded and train hard in the gym and bulk up for the next world cup. Sotutu has to work harder off the ball.

Half Backs: TJ out.  Cam Roigard [has to learn to scream and communicate game time], Ratima and Noah Hotham

Back Line:            1st Five: Harry Plummer [Inside center Cover]

                                2nd five: JB [Fullback and first five cover]

                                Outside Centre: Billy Proctor

                                Wings: Clarke and Will Jordon [Fullback Cover]

                                Fullback: Ruben Love [1st Five Cover], Zarn Sullivan

Wings: Shaun Stevson [Fullback Cover], Talaea and Narawa

Centre: Quinn Tupaea, Umaga Jenson Brothers - need big boys, ALB

Messaage to BB, DMac, Ardiae, Rico and  TJ. If you want All Backs to evolve and be world leaders again, please make yourselves unavailable for 2 years. Please just do it for your country. You will come back stronger in 2 years.

New Zealand team reminds me of NSW State of Origin. They always had the best players in their positions but never selected them in their position until Madge came and now NSW will be untouchable.

C
Chiefs Mana 23 days ago

At times this year, our attacking shape has looked phenomenal against rush D....there's plenty to be excited by.


Big Dmac fan admittedly but think he's probably a pass mark so far and hasn't cemented his role...should start first Bled against Aussie then Plummer gets some game time in the 2nd. I like the idea of Plummer getting a crack...a solid, under-rated player who has stuck it out in NZ hoping for a crack like this.


Mounga back end of 2025 and will be a shootout between him and Dmac with Love/Plummer likely the back ups unless Kemara or Miller light things up next year which won't happen.


BB back to fullback and Jordan to wing for Bled 1...then mix it up again for the 2nd - we can't have a situation where we lose the first test then head to Wellington with Bled on the line.

R
Rooksie 25 days ago

😆 🤣 south Africans don't go that low 😆 🤣 where u been living bro ..they invented that crap..as for Ardie he's the man ..agree on Rekio.and dmac .Canes had his day mate ..time to put Ardie at 7 Blackadder 6.and Siti 8 ..and apart from everything else far too many north islanders in your team

G
GL 25 days ago

You lost me at Plummer - who has not one cap and you think it can take us to the RWC. DMac and Mounga are the only choices for 2027 so developing DMac (who has only 20 caps as 10 and starter) is the key.

F
Forward pass 25 days ago

Silly comment. Richie Mounga has had 5 years and NEVER been a decent 10. Your fantasies out-do reality. Plummer is a 68 SR game journeyman who has played 8 games at 10 yet you rant about how Bb and Dmac arnt 10s. Seems you chop and change your own standards or do you just hate the successful?

J
JW 26 days ago

You're seeing the picture all wrong Hamish. You are look with glasses from the past, which called for action and ditching of the attitude of "let this team prove itself", and not realising that this is Razor changing up the game and improving on previous era's philosohies.


He didn't just saying to the team "you have a chance at redemption this week", he is moving on. Johanesburg is in the past. It's a refershing attitude to see from a coach. In saying that, a lot of the critiques you have listed are entirely circumstantial. Three back rowers had strains and were unavailable as far as I understand, with Jacobson coming back from injury and only fit for a bench role.


He's got a lot to learn but you're laying way too much blame at his feet

G
GE 26 days ago

The complete coaching panel need more international experience & selections need to be made on performance.Not right to select about 1/3 of the team from a losing franchise because you know them.players must be selected on merit.If the rugby board had left Foster alone we wouldn’t have this problem now.They dismantled a proven coaching system built up over many years.

R
Rooksie 25 days ago

That be the same franchise that apart from last year has won all the titles year after year 😆 🤣..pity Razor couldn't put more crusaders in the team ..but it will be all gd soon when Richie comes back at 10 ..u really think Razor picks abs because he knows them ..mate that international coaching thing is just a myth..look at Foster. He had heaps of it and he's the worst abs coach in history..plus he whitelock (another crusader) Retalik..smith .Richie etc ..Foster picked far too many chiefs players..maybe he knew them

G
GM 26 days ago

"Previous All Blacks coaches have made the mistake of believing they can ignore the specifics of each back-row position and shift individuals as circumstances dictate, but there is no evidence it ever worked."


Well said, Gregor. Razor must bite the bullet re 6, can't wait for Frizzell: make a choice on potential between Barrett and Vaii at 6, and give them a run at the position. Finau is a flat-track bully - big hits on first fives, goes backwards against the big boys. Then Razor can decide re 8 between Savea and Sititi, and at 7 between Savea, Papali'i and Blackadder. Jacobson covers a lot of positions on the bench, but isn't an impact player (as Sititi could be). Cane should be thanked and farewelled (along wth TJ and Reece).

J
JW 26 days ago

I'd love to see Finau given those sorts of chances though. I think he is probably been held back, his coaches are letting him hold himself back. He needs to be let rip and I don't care if thats only on Wallaby 10's or Italy's.. well actually Italy might be on part with the other three 6N sides they have to face at the eoty.


Did he get Donaldson this year? Lets hope he gets on when Aussie put Big Ben on!!

K
Kia koe 26 days ago

Reece also leaving?

Load More Comments

Join free and tell us what you really think!

Sign up for free
Search