Scott Robertson faces his biggest coaching test against the Springboks at Eden Park.
The All Blacks’ 34-year unbeaten record at the venue adds pressure and expectation.
Leicester Fainga’anuku joins the squad, with selection and strategy crucial for Robertson.
In a week such as this, when the stakes are so significant, the spotlight shines on the All Blacks and Springboks’ coaching wits.
Call it the king’s gambit. Rassie Erasmus against Scott Robertson is but one chess piece element that hovers over Eden Park’s fortress status.
It’s notquite master and the apprentice but Erasmus, hailed as a rugby god-like figure in South Africa, boasts vastly more test experience than Robertson, particularly in all-encompassing occasions.
All Blacks coach Robertson began this week acknowledging this is the most significant match of his career.
Five full Super Rugby titles with the Crusaders (plus the Covid-era Super Rugby Aotearoa New Zealand-only crowns) won Robertson promotion to the country’s top job – but his nous, temperament and strategic ability will be put under the microscope like never before.
Rich rugby history heightens the scrutiny – and pressure – of leading the All Blacks when confronting the Springboks.
Four wins in a row over the New Zealanders indicates the World Cup champions have had the All Blacks’ number of late.
“Yeah, for sure,” Robertson said in a calm fashion, while accepting his biggest coaching test. “One plays two in the world. All eyes are watching. It’s exciting for us as a country. We’ve got a record we’re really proud of and we’ll play for.
“There’s always pressure. It’s part of the job, the role and responsibility. There’s a lot of power in that pressure, a lot of focus that can come from it. It’s my role as the head coach to get it all aligned.
“I’m human so ... there’s a bit of future thinking that goes on about what could happen, but your job is to be right here. I’ve drawn on my experience coaching over the years and what’s really important, what wins games.
“You always take a couple of deep breaths, realise the stakes at hand and step forward to get on with it.”
Robertson didn’t shy away from the fear of being tagged with more unwanted history but he believes the All Blacks can harness and channel those emotions too.
“Of course, there’s a bit of fear element that’s part of being human,” Robertson said. “That’s natural because of the history. There’s a lot of power in fear as well it gets your body ready for survival. It’s the most human thing to do you’re here to protect something.”
With discipline, issues under the high ball, defensive lapses after missing 40 tackles in the loss to the Pumas and their backline attack in need of immediate attention, Smith’s presence could prove invaluable for a comparatively inexperienced All Blacks coaching team.
If ever there is a stage to conjure crafty innovation and special set plays, this is it.
Coaching legend Sir Wayne Smith has been working with the All Blacks again. Photo / Photosport
“Sir Wayne has been locked away in the calendar all year,” Robertson said. “This is the one he noted. He’s got so much wisdom, 30-odd years in the business at the top level, so little bits of gold. ‘Have you thought about this? Remember this? We did this’, those are the great things you get from an old koro [grandfather] who knows his way around test footy.”
Selection forms a defining element of coaching strategy. With their backs pressed to the wall, it will be intriguing to see how loyal Robertson remains as the form of his starting wings in particular is thrust into full view.
Electing to give Caleb Clarke another week of provincial rugby with Auckland rather than inject the All Blacks’ best aerial exponent will spark debate.
Asked whether the powerhouse Fainga’anuku, who required New Zealand Rugby board approval to join the All Blacks on Sunday evening after returning from France and playing for Tasman, could immediately feature this weekend, Robertson did not rule it out.
“Everyone is eligible to get picked, that’s why they’re here. The good thing about Leicester is he can play multiple positions. He’s a great power athlete. He holds his feet beautifully. He attracts defenders. We’re really pleased he’s come straight back into the fold. He’s performed at the highest level.
“He’s played a lot more centre over there but he’s a helluva winger and he’s played a lot of 12 as well and the experience over there certainly improved his game in certain areas.”
Ratima will be given every opportunity to recover but all signs point to the All Blacks starting Finlay Christie and projecting Kyle Preston into a debut from the bench.
“Fin is experienced, we know what we’re going to get. He’s reliable, tough, got some good turnovers. He likes that stage. He’s slotted straight back into the system.
“We were really impressed with Kyle around finals footy. He’s stepped up to every occasion. The next one could be on the biggest stage. We’ve got him ready over the last four weeks so we’ll back him if needed.”
With the spotlight magnified and Erasmus sure to have tricks up his sleeve, Robertson has no room for selection or strategy missteps.
Liam Napier is a Senior Sports Journalist and Rugby Correspondent for the New Zealand Herald. He is a co-host of the Rugby Direct podcast.
