All Blacks: Scott Robertson opens up on his ‘key learnings’ in first year as Test coach
New All Blacks boss Scott Robertson.
All Blacks boss Scott Robertson has revealed the crucial things he has learned in his first year as an international head coach, ahead of their upcoming tour to Japan and Europe.
Robertson took over the three-time world champions’ coaching reins from Ian Foster after last year’s Rugby World Cup in France and there were big expectations in New Zealand as he came into his new position after guiding the Crusaders to seven Super Rugby titles during his seven-year stint as the Christchurch-based outfit’s head coach.
New Zealand have won six out of nine Tests this year, with the team suffering back-to-back Rugby Championship defeats to their arch rivals South Africa and they also lost to Argentina in that competition.
That is well below the All Blacks’ usual high standards and Robertson was questioned about which aspects of his new position have taught him the biggest lessons so far.
‘You’ve got to learn quick’
“Key learning is you’ve got to learn quick, from week to week, learn quick,” the 50-year-old told reporters at the All Blacks’ squad announcement in Christchurch on Monday.
“I’ve learned personally how I can help the whole group, my messaging to the group, how I can work closely with officials, with the captaincy, with game management, from week to week, and adapt what’s important for this Test match in front.
“That’s one thing. The other thing is to make sure you keep your energy right. You know, the boys got to see yourself consistently each week. Keep connected.”
One of the major challenges for Robertson was when Leon MacDonald resigned from his position as All Blacks attack coach in August due to unresolvable differences with his head coach.
Robertson was asked to assess the All Blacks’ attack since MacDonald’s departure and if he was happy with the systems implemented as well as the progress in that department, and replied: “A big part of my role is to create, as it is with our coaching staff.
“We’ve created plenty. We’ve just got to finish plenty. Well, plenty more.
“It’s like our stats that we have and what we’ve done on field and just to finish simple one-on-ones or get across the line or finish a couple more. There’s been a focus for us to make sure we create and now finish those opportunities.
‘We’ve got to turn that good into great’
“We’re really pleased. It’s been some really good footy. We’ve got to turn that good into great and make sure we finish the job.”
Robertson is aware that the All Blacks are facing some huge challenges on their northern tour, especially on consecutive weeks against three nations – England, Ireland and France – who are currently ranked in the top five in World Rugby’s official rankings.
“It’s substantial (those challenges). It’s exciting, isn’t it? That’s the way you play footy,” he said.
“There’s big occasions on the big stage, and you see how people step up.
“You create an environment where the guys go and look forward to the opportunity and respect that jersey with the great performances. That’s our focus.”
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