All Blacks: Scott Robertson ‘proud’ to end Wellington curse but highlights there’s ‘a lot more in us’
Wallabies head coach Joe Schmidt and All Blacks boss Scott Robertson shaking hands.
All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson has detailed his pride at ending the Wellington curse, but also issued a warning to the rugby world ahead of the November internationals.
Razor’s side secured their first victory in the capital since 2018 with a 33-13 triumph over the Wallabies in Bledisloe II, but it’s only their third win of the Rugby Championship this year.
“We confronted it”
The Wellington curse has lingered over the All Blacks in every game held at Sky Stadium, including the recent 38-30 defeat to Argentina in their opening game of the Championship; however speaking to the media after the game, Robertson said his side “confronted” the recent defeats at the ground.
“Proud (to end Wellington streak),” he said. “We confronted it and tried to show more respect to it, and realised that a performance like that is what it deserved. We talked about it during the week but more importantly we showed it tonight.”
His comments mirrored those of Scott Barrett, who told Sky Sports: “Yeah really pleased to have reversed the curse (in Wellington). We didn’t start too well but I’m really pleased with how we finished. We showed some grit in defence and managed to hold out the Aussies.”
“We’ve got a lot more in us”
Whilst this victory takes some weight off Robertson’s shoulders, it was potentially their most complete performance under the coach to date.
At times, New Zealand’s capability to close out games has been brought into question, but in the Bledisloe II win they improved as the game went on and limited Australia to no points in the second-half.
Commenting on this, Robertson said: “Five tries to one, yeah it’s a great defensive efforts. They started well, the Aussies, you’ve got to give it to them they played some good footy!”
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He added: “They got some opportunities and got into our 22, but we defended stoutly. Our goal-line defence was Test standard, but then we put the ball down over the line and only got one pulled back this time!”
Robertson also detailed there is more to come from this All Blacks side as they turn their attention to a tour of the Northern Hemisphere.
“I’m really pleased with a lot of aspects,” he said. “We’ve had a great three or four weeks of training, so to put it on the field is important for all of us and really pleasing; but we’ve got a lot more in us.”
The All Blacks kick-off their November Tests with a clash against England, before taking on Ireland, France and Italy. Before those games they face Japan in Yokohama on October 25.
