‘It drew out the entertainment factor’ – Scott Robertson shares his verdict on the referee call in last play
All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson speaking to reporters in Japan in 2024.
All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson shared his view on the late decision which went the way of his side in their 24-17 win against England.
The victory means it is two from two for the new All Blacks boss, who may feel he has Beauden Barrett to thank for that after the veteran put in an all-time cameo to change the game and set up the decisive try.
Robertson reflected on the start of his Test coaching career, describing it as “finals every week”. The tactician felt that while it was not perfect against a strong England defence his team did enough to come out on the right side.
“It’s finals every week. There are no bonus points, and it’s getting results and finding a way. We played from behind a lot of that game, and it showed how much we care,’” Robertson said.
“There were lots of opportunities and the ability to show the skillsets, have the courage to go and do it more was probably our challenge. We did it enough times tonight to reiterate how good our scrum was, too.”
Control what you can
Referring to the late call which saw England being blown for obstruction as skipper Jamie George went over the line, Robertson said his team was just looking after what they could control.
“It drew out the entertainment factor but the way we defended it with the passion and the care, that part you can look after, and then the ref does the rest,” he said.
Robertson praised the oldest of the Barretts for the way he came in and changed the game.
“He showed some nice touches as kicking cover in the backfield, was brave enough and showed some courage to take it to the line, throw a couple of shorts balls there to put people away,” he added.
‘Incredible impact’ – England legend hails Beauden Barrett’s ‘one-man Bomb Squad’ effort
Ready and set
For the middle Barrett, Scott, he completed his first series as captain of the All Blacks and felt such a tight series is a good place to start for the side who will play Fiji in San Diego this weekend before the start of the Rugby Championship.
“It’s set us up well, understanding what Test match rugby is all about and we’re only going to get better from here,” the skipper said.
“They won the arm wrestle around the kick battle, and for most of the game, they pinned us in our half, and that’s the sort of game that they’re good at.
“We were aware of that being their last game of the season they were going to throw everything into it and they certainly did that.”
Debut delight
Several injuries at scrum-half led to the debut of Cortez Ratima which is well deserved after a splendid season with the Chiefs and Robertson was full of praise for the new cap.
“He did his core role really well, and kicked well. He trains well and converted it straight onto the field which, in that position at Test level, shows how classy and skilful a young man he is,” he added.
