‘Jason Ryan wants an 8-0!’ – Scott Robertson jokes about potential Springboks-style bench split
Springboks 'Bomb Squad' celebrate try v New Zealand and All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson.
Scott Robertson insists that he is unlikely to be taking any inspiration from the Springboks over their tactics, but is looking forward to going head-to-head with their arch rivals later this year.
South Africa caused a stir by using a split of seven forwards and one back on their bench at times last season, including in the Rugby World Cup final.
It evidently paid dividends as the Boks lifted the Webb Ellis Cup for a record fourth time in 2023 and became just the second team – after the All Blacks – to go back-to-back at the global tournament.
Taking it a step further
The Springboks coaches have also suggested, even if it might have been slightly in jest, about having a complete set of forwards as their replacements.
Robertson was asked about potentially following South Africa’s lead in an interview with Newstalk ZB, but he did not sound convinced.
“I’m not sure about an eight. Sometimes it’s a 7-1 or a 6-2 split but that’s a whole forward pack”, the head coach said, before jokingly adding: “(Forwards coach) Jason Ryan wants that actually!”
“Especially in South Africa, that’s their strength; the impact that they can bring on. Personally, if you lose a back early, it makes things a little bit difficult, you’ve got a loose forward on the wing potentially.”
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Robertson preferred to discuss their upcoming games against South Africa in the Rugby Championship.
The Springboks will host both matches – in Johannesburg and Cape Town – in what will be a huge challenge for the All Blacks.
“Let’s just talk about the trip to South Africa. It’s a hell of an opportunity and hell of a test for us to go to Johannesburg and get down to Cape Town,” he said.
“We haven’t been to Cape Town for seven or eight years, they don’t like us playing down there. A lot of Kiwis are coming over because it’s special.
“Those who are getting up in the middle of the night, they are memories from a young kid to watch them. We’ve had everything over the years so it’s going to be a special couple of weeks for us.”
Experienced players
The new head coach also addressed the squad and whether it was selected with the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia in mind, and if the experienced players could make that tournament.
Five uncapped individuals were named in the 32, but there are a few key members of the group, including Codie Taylor, Ardie Savea, TJ Perenara, Beauden Barrett and captain Scott Barrett, who are now the wrong side of 30.
“It’s amazing how old you can get and the longevity you can get by looking after your body. The sports science, the recovery is incredible. They’re playing good rugby,” Robertson said.
“You look at the South Africans. They had a lot of older, mature players that had great leadership. Even in the last All Blacks squad that went over, they were still playing good footy.
“Dane Coles, look at his contribution on and off the field, so you need them for sure. I can’t answer that four years out, but I’m sure (they will be around).”
