All Blacks: Scott Robertson reveals what caught him by surprise after ‘great Test match’ win over Argentina
All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson (inset), scrum-half Cortez Ratima and inside centre Jordie Barrett.
Scott Robertson said he was unaware that the All Blacks’ victory over Argentina in Cordoba had resulted in them moving to the top of the World Rugby rankings.
New Zealand were full value for their 41-24 bonus-point triumph over Los Pumas in their Rugby Championship opener and after the Wallabies claimed a shock victory over the Springboks earlier in the day in Johannesburg, it had positive consequences for the men in black.
Those results mean that it’s the first time since their 2023 Rugby World Cup triumph in France that the Boks do not occupy top spot in the World Rugby rankings while the All Blacks return to the summit for the first time since November 2021.
After his side’s away victory, Robertson admitted to being caught by surprise by the change in the rankings.
‘Shows how tough Test footy is and the margins’
“It’s actually something we just learned, because you just told us,” he told reporters at the press conference. “Look, it shows how tough Test footy is and the margins.
“Argentina were great tonight and defended really, really well, and were passionate – just like the Springboks were too.”
He said despite being happy for his team about their new position in the rankings, the All Blacks are already focusing on their next Rugby Championship encounter with Los Pumas in Buenos Aires next weekend.
“A moment, discipline, a card, great play, two or three tries back to back can turn Test matches,” said Robertson.
‘Our sights are settled on next week’s match’
“We’re pleased we’re No.1, but our sights are settled on next week’s match, rather than rankings.”
New Zealand raced into a 31-10 lead at half-time against Argentina before the home side fought back to narrow the gap to seven points. However, the visitors recovered to clinch their win courtesy of two late Samisoni Taukei’aho tries.
“It was a great Test match, with a great atmosphere,” added Robertson. “31-10 at half-time, we let them back in by not having the discipline that’s required.
“There’s a lot of efforts we can look back on and areas we can improve.”
Robertson highlighted how important improvement is to his team but said there were plenty of positives which was also pleasing.
“You’re never satisfied as an All Black, because there’s always room to improve,” he said. “The exciting part is we did so much good stuff.”