Scott Robertson: All Blacks star ‘definitely not’ dropped as ‘Test-ready’ rookie backed
All Blacks flanker Du'Plessis Kirifi and an inset of head coach Scott Robertson.
All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson has explained why he has resisted the urge to make wholesale changes to his matchday squad.
New Zealand surged to a 41-24 win over Argentina in their Rugby Championship opener last week. Despite the victory, Robertson has opted to stick with mostly the same team for the second clash against Los Pumas.
The only change to the All Blacks starting XV sees Simon Parker come into the run-on team to make his debut, with Du’Plessis Kirifi falling out of the matchday squad.
There are alternations to the bench, though, with Wallace Sititi and Tamaiti Williams returning from injury while Josh Lord fills the void of injured lock Patrick Tuipulotu.
Commenting on his team for the second encounter against Los Pumas, Robertson said that it was important to keep some continuity with his selections.
Simon Parker backed over Du’Plessis Kirifi
He also clarified that Kirifi’s omission had nothing to do with his performances for the side.
“We hadn’t played for a month, and we needed a bit of battle-hardened cohesion in our group,” Robertson explained.
“It’s also the opportunity for Simon [Parker], who’s had a couple of games under his belt in NPC.
“Ardie is very good at seven, and it’s a tough call on Du’Plessis; it was definitely not on form. He has played well and taken every opportunity he’s got – so just a little bit of a tweak to the forward pack.”
Robertson is confident that Parker is ready to make the step up to international rugby after a standout season with the Chiefs in Super Rugby Pacific.
“He’s consistent, really accurate and in the last two weeks, he has trained really well. He’s ready for it,” the head coach said.
“We know he’s Test-ready. He’s been training with us well, and we’ve kept an eye on him for a long time.
“He has just been really consistent, and we are looking forward to him showing us what he’s got, and we backed him, and it’s a good full pack in front of him.”
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Returning forwards and Codie Taylor’s milestone
Robertson says that the timing of Sititi and Williams’ returns are important with what is to come in the Rugby Championship, with back-to-back matches against the Springboks coming up after the second game versus Argentina.
“Some big bodies,” he said.
“We are really pleased. They worked hard, and the timing of this opportunity – if you look at the entirety of the Test series and then to get back for this match, it is really important.
“They’re chomping, they are keen, and they are very good Test footballers, so we are pleased to have them back.”
Saturday’s encounter will see Codie Taylor become the 14th player to represent the All Blacks in 100 Test matches, becoming the second hooker to do so after Keven Mealamu.
Commenting on the front-rower’s milestone, Robertson said, “Codie is a special man. He’s a real champion off the field and has a great story. Born and bred in Horowhenua in the footsteps of Dane Coles, they had a nice little combination and the third hooker to reach 100.
“He’s resilient, he’s tough, he’s skilful and an athletic rugby player, but more importantly, he is a great man in our environment and a proud All Black – we’ll honour him this weekend.
“He’s mentally tough and physically tough, and in a position like the front row, you need to be that way. Obviously highly skilled and just an incredible competitor. He just loves it, loves his team. He wears the jersey with a lot of pride.”
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McKenzie’s value and Los Pumas backlash
For the second weekend in a row, Robertson has backed Beauden Barrett in the number 10 jersey. That means that Damian McKenzie is included on the bench.
The head coach says that McKenzie’s ability to change the game in the latter stages of the game is crucial for the team.
“Damian is pretty mercurial; he can create something out of nothing, which is pretty special and a unique skill set,” he said.
“He is small but fast, fast of mind and fast of feet. So that’s why he’s such a good impact player for us – he can change the game.”
Meanwhile, the All Blacks boss is expecting a fired-up Los Pumas team in the second Test match.
“Last week the game went back into the balance for a little while, and they are a great attacking squad,” Robertson added.
“There’s the story of having two matches back-to-back – you get a chance to respond, and we expect it from them, and it’ll be a hell of a match. We are looking forward to it.”
On his team’s objectives for this weekend, he added: “Just trying to fine-tune our game. We will still keep playing to our strengths, but with the ability to take opportunities and still be really disciplined in how we play.”
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