All Blacks: Scott Robertson takes conservative approach for Grand Slam tour

All Blacks coach Scott Robertson. Photo / Photosport.

All Blacks coach Scott Robertson has resisted the urge to make changes to his squad for next month’s Grand Slam tour, opting for a conservative approach with his 36-man squad.

There was speculation Robertson would look to blood new players and give some up-and-coming stars a chance to learn inside the All Blacks’ environment.

However, instead, one change was made with George Bell replacing Brodie McAllister as the third-string hooker.

Robertson said there will be bolters named in Jamie Joseph’s All Blacks XV squad tomorrow, and there is expected to be crossover between the teams.

For now he wants to play things safe, as the All Blacks prepare for their first Grand Slam in 15 years.

Much of that comes down to trying to build cohesion in the environment with a busy 24 months on the horizon, where the All Blacks will tour South Africa next year, with the Rugby World Cup taking place in Australia in 2027.

Robertson feels the balance of the squad is perfect for the upcoming tests against Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales.

“If you look at the entirety of the squad, we’ve had 19 debutants in the last two years,” Robertson said.

“We’ve got experience, we’ve got youth, we’ve got a team that has to be really balanced and experienced to win Grand Slams, that’s what history shows.”

The inclusions of winger Sevu Reece and halfback Finlay Christie, certainly raised an eyebrow.

Reece hasn’t been sighted in a black jersey since the All Blacks’ defeat to Argentina in Buenos Aires, falling down the pecking order behind Emoni Narawa and Leroy Carter, who has quickly established himself as Robertson’s best right-winger.

The selection of Christie is also intriguing, highlighted by the fact his New Zealand Rugby contract expires at the end of the year.

The 30-year-old had been linked with moves to Newcastle and Toulon after re-emerging from the wilderness following an injury crisis at halfback during the Rugby Championship.

But Robertson feels both will have a role to play on the tour.

“It’s another opportunity for Sevu to compete,” Robertson said. “We know what he can do when he’s at his best.

“As a coaching group we need to get the best out of him so it’s another opportunity for him.

“The thing about Finlay, he’s a test level halfback, he’s test ready, and he’ll come in if things get into an arm wrestle.”

Other players who could count themselves lucky, and were saved by their experience are Anton Lienert-Brown, who has featured in two tests this year, and Rieko Ioane, who has also fallen down the pecking order.

Robertson said the All Blacks XV, who face England A and the Barbarians, will be vital, as they will name 40 players for the South African tour.

Ben Francis is an Auckland-based reporter for the New Zealand Herald who covers breaking sports news.