All Blacks coach ‘not sure’ Super Rugby Pacific is ‘setting our boys up to succeed’

All Blacks coach Jason Ryan has questioned whether Super Rugby Pacific is preparing the players well enough in certain aspects of the game.

New Zealand will begin their Test season in two months’ time when France visit for a three-Test series in July.

Ryan has certainly watched the 2025 Super Rugby campaign with interest as they look towards the upcoming international campaign.

It has arguably been the most exciting season for several years, with the Australian teams finally bringing the challenge to their trans-Tasman rivals.

Speeding up the game

Speeding up the game and promoting attacking rugby have been key targets for the bigwigs in charge of the competition, and it has yielded some positive results.

However, Ryan is concerned that they could be negating some of the fundamentals, particularly the scrum, which could hamper the All Blacks going forward.

“Overall, the ball in play and the movement has been really good. For Super Rugby, it’s probably getting harder for teams to win scrum penalties, which is interesting how that’s played out,” he told Sport Nation’s Beaver and Guy show.

“Whether that’s setting our boys up to succeed when we get to Test rugby, I’m not sure.”

Scott Robertson concern as All Blacks star issues injury update on ‘crushed’ collarbone

Ryan does believe that there has been progress on the officiating side of things, though, as they seek to find a balance between accuracy and keeping the game moving.

“I think the TMOs and that sort of thing has been a little bit more controlled, which is good, but they’re still digging their heels in probably a little bit,” he added.

“I had some good convos with Chris Pollock (New Zealand Rugby referee manager) and we work with the referees where we can, just to have conversations where we can keep the game going as best we can.

“I think overall those convos have been really good.”

‘Nothing prepares the guys…’

Ryan and the All Blacks team of coaches, headed by Scott Robertson, will partly be using Super Rugby form to pick their squad for the 2025 Test season.

There have been plenty of fine performances from prospective candidates this year, but Ryan admits that the competition is a significant step below international level.

“Nothing prepares the guys for the first 20 minutes of a Test of a year. It doesn’t matter if they’ve played in a Super final or they haven’t, the intensity of a Test match and the pressure of a Test match is unique,” he added.

“As we get close to the season, we will start to see guys under pressure. Whether that’s kicking a goal to win a game or a lineout throw or a defensive play, that’s what excites us and will be a big part of our conversations.”

READ MORE: New Zealand Rugby post MAMMOTH losses as bigwigs seek ‘sustainable financial model’