Ex-All Blacks boss ‘incredibly optimistic’ for New Zealand under ‘sensational’ Scott Robertson
All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson in 2024.
Laurie Mains says it’s “the best I’ve felt for a long time” after the All Blacks’ first three matches under Scott Robertson.
The 49-year-old took over from Ian Foster after the Rugby World Cup and has guided them to three successive victories so far during his tenure.
They defeated England in a tight and tense two-Test series before overcoming Fiji in San Diego as Robertson began with a 100 per cent record.
The All Blacks’ new regime has received criticism for aspects of the team’s performances, but Mains, who was New Zealand’s head coach from 1992 to 1995, is happy with what he has seen.
Belief in Robertson’s ability
“Yes, I do [believe in Robertson] for two reasons,” he told Newstalk ZB. “What he achieved with the Crusaders; I don’t care how good the players were or where they got their players from. It doesn’t matter.
“To win that championship seven times in a row is sensational. That makes me know that he’s going to get this All Blacks team performing at their best.
“What I saw was they had to fight like hell to win both of the Tests against England. And that just showed me that those players were totally committed to the team and that’s the first achievement for a coach; to get his players totally committed to the team and to the game plan.
“Each time they’ve played, you can see more about what they’re trying to achieve.
“That first Test against England I think would have been one of the hardest Test matches to play in. England were good. Defensively they were very aggressive and very strong. Then in that second Test, once Beauden [Barrett] came on it started to open up and he created opportunities.
“Against Fiji, we saw more of that shorter play. There were some beautifully constructed tries in that game. So, I’m incredibly optimistic about where this team is going to go. The best I’ve felt for a long time.”
Rebuilding
New Zealand saw a number of their greats depart after the World Cup but Robertson was still able to select a very experienced squad against England.
Cortez Ratima was the only player to make his debut in that series but six more rookies managed to get out on the field during the Fiji clash.
It suggests that Robertson is gradually looking to ease players into the team as they begin preparations for the next global tournament in Australia in 2027.
“The first two years of a World Cup cycle I think is where a coach and selectors really need to get a foundation and the basis of the team,” Mains said. “It’s based on maybe the 10 best players, who are all automatic choices.
“From them, you know what style of rugby you can best play. And then, you have to bring in players that complement the strength of those 10.”
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