Razor Watch: Unpacking the All Blacks’ pressing issues and our verdict on Scott Robertson
Split with All Blacks Beauden Barrett, Samipeni Finau and head coach Scott Robertson.
And so the first series of the Scott Robertson era at the All Blacks has come to an end with the side winning 2-0 against England in a decent enough start.
We take a closer look at what Razor needs to work out during the clash against Fiji and in preparation for the Rugby Championship in August.
Line-out and ball-carrying in the forwards
75% in the first and 76% in the second is just not where it needs to be in the line-out for a Test team of the All Blacks‘ calibre. It may be the hangover of losing Sam Whitelock in particular, who was an expert in that facet of the game, as well as his right-hand man Brodie Retallick. In some cases, the throwing was not up to scratch but for the most part, Maro Itoje just completely outsmarted the All Blacks and made life hell in the line-out. Of course, it was the team’s first two games together but perhaps there was a lack of nous around how the line-out was run and which calls were used and when. There is always time to improve but solutions need to be found before the Rugby Championship.
England’s excellent rush defence exposed a ball-carrying weakness for the All Blacks as their forwards consistently got caught behind the gainline and the backs were swallowed up as a result. For us, it looks like they are really missing the power in the carry of someone like Shannon Frizell as his replacement Samipeni Finau had a decent series but certainly didn’t terribly challenge the English defence. There is a solution in waiting in the form of Wallace Sititi who is easily one of the best carriers in the country – at Super Rugby level at least. One would think he desperately needs to get a run this weekend against Fiji. Not all teams will have the rush defence of England but it is 100% a point of concern for Razor.
Where to use Beauden Barrett?
Anyone who had any shadow of a doubt about the veteran will be firmly on the Beauden train now after he effectively secured the series with an all-time cameo in the second Test, complete with the winning try assist. This came off the back of another superb effort a week ago where his kicking skill set and game management got the All Blacks over the line.
Now we all know Barrett is far from finished, so now, where does he fit? Well, Damian McKenzie looked solid in the 10 shirt and held his own throughout the series so letting him retain his spot makes sense. Stephen Perofeta was trusted at full-back for both Tests and did not play badly at all but perhaps his inexperience showed when Barrett contrastingly grabbed the game by the throat. The ability to understand what is required to win Tests will come to Perofeta in time but does he learn from the bench watching Beauden getting it done or does he learn while starting with Barrett coming on as an impact player?
Much to think about for Razor which is only made harder by Will Jordan’s eventual return. For us, it would be ridiculous not to start Beauden Barrett after he showed he is still well and truly one of the world’s best.
Overall verdict
The start of the new era has copped some criticism which is fair enough but context helps. Steve Borthwick’s England played six Tests before arriving in New Zealand and the All Blacks had played none. The coach has also been in charge of the Red Rose for nearly two years now which also plays a factor.
Realistically, Razor was never going to come in and dispatch England because, to their credit, Borthwick has built a brilliant side that has raised their game several notches with the introduction of the rush defence. Ultimately, the job was to win and Razor is at 100% regardless. As they say in golf, there are no pictures on a scorecard.
Now we all know how intelligent of a coach Razor is and he will be heavily unpacking the series to get better which the All Blacks almost inevitably will. From us, it’s the start that was required and the true test of the Razor era comes in the Rugby Championship.
