All Blacks: Scott Robertson reveals ‘critical factor’ in selection calls
All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson and utility back Will Jordan.
All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson has revealed the important role his replacements will play in their Rugby Championship opener against Argentina in Wellington on Saturday.
While the players in New Zealand’s starting line-up will be crucial in the implementation of their game-plan, Robertson said the impact of his bench should not be underestimated, especially the ability of some of them to play in various positions.
Of the matchday squad for Saturday’s Test, the likes of Ofa Tu’ungafasi and Wallace Sititi in the forwards as well as Rieko Ioane and Will Jordan amongst the backs fit that profile perfectly.
Highlighted replacements’ importance
When asked about the importance of his bench players in the bigger scheme of things ahead of their clash against Los Pumas, Robertson said: “You pick a (matchday) 23. Sometimes you start with a bench to look at the impact and how the team’s going to finish and how they complement each other.
“Obviously Rieko (Ioane) can play 13 and wing and Will can play full-back and wing as well.
“So the utility factor is really critical in the depth of the competition. And those guys can create an impact off the bench with their speed.”
Jordan’s selection will be a popular one amongst All Blacks fans as he makes his long-awaited return to the Test arena after recovering from a shoulder injury which kept him on the sidelines for the Crusaders’ entire Super Rugby Pacific campaign.
The All Blacks boss has made no secret that he would like to see Jordan playing at full-back for the All Blacks after the 26-year-old shone in that position for the Crusaders while Robertson was the head coach at the Christchurch-based outfit.
However, Beauden Barrett will start at 15 against Argentina after starring in that role in the second Test against England in Auckland and the clash with Fiji in San Diego.
Despite Barrett’s fine form at full-back, Robertson expects Jordan to make his presence felt when he comes off the bench against Los Pumas.
Robertson was in attendance when Jordan made his return to action for Tasman in a pre-season National Provincial Championship game against Southland in Christchurch last week and the All Blacks mentor was impressed with the 26-year-old’s performance.
Impressed with Will Jordan
“I saw a decent try,” he said when asked about what he saw from Jordan in that game and his readiness for Test rugby. “His trademark try and anticipation off the ball. He’s in good nick. He’s fit, he’s ready to go.
“Obviously Beauden’s been exceptional. To have Will Jordan coming off the bench to make an impact is special, isn’t it? So to have a couple of guys and available around the 15 jersey is great.”
Another player of whom big things are expected is young back-row Sititi.
“We’re really pleased with him,” said Robertson. “He had a great 20-odd minutes that he had in San Diego, and he gets to go again and have a bit of continuity for him and play Test footy regularly.”
All Blacks captain Ardie Savea, who takes over the leadership role from the injured Scott Barrett, echoed his coach’s sentiments.
“Yeah, Wally’s been awesome,” he said. “I’m so impressed with how he’s handling himself, how he walks. It’s a true testament to himself and how he’s been brought up.
“But yeah, he’s really impressed, not only myself, but many others in how he operates.”
READ MORE: All Blacks: Scott Robertson’s blunt reasoning for dropping Rieko Ioane against Argentina
