Scott Robertson ‘hurt’ as ‘execution’ costs All Blacks in shock defeat to Argentina
Scott Robertson reacts to All Blacks' loss to Argentina. (Photo by James Foy/Speed Media/Icon Sportswire)
All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson has revealed he feels “hurt” after they suffered a shock 38-30 loss to Argentina in the Rugby Championship in Wellington.
Saturday’s negative at SKY Stadium saw Los Pumas score four tries to New Zealand’s three as Robertson tasted defeat for the first time as an international coach.
Understandably he cut a dejected figure alongside All Blacks captain Ardie Savea in the press conference as he had to face the media to pour through their loss.
Look inward
“You look at yourself firstly,” said Robertson. “What could I have done personally as the head coach? How could I have framed this week a bit better and how could I have created a bit more edge?
“So you reflect over the next 24 hours. I’m hurt but they’ll look to me and I’ve got to make sure I put everything in place for them so that we respond this week.”
Savea was similarly downhearted but stressed that they had to “own” the loss as they look to bounce back at Eden Park next weekend against the same opposition.
“First of all we’ve just got to own it,” he said. “Look ourselves in the mirror as leaders and players and get the lessons we need to but we’ve still go to stay tight together and each day try and get better.
“The good thing about rugby is we’ve got a chance to play again next week so first and foremost we’ve got to own and walk towards the challenge.”
However, Savea stressed that reacting to defeats is not something New Zealand should need to do, which was a comment that head coach Robertson agreed with.
“As an All Black we shouldn’t need a week, we shouldn’t need a loss to get a performance,” he said.
“Our standard is we should turn up every week but that’s the reality of rugby.
“We didn’t get it right tonight. It wasn’t good enough but hopefully we can get back on the horse and grow and learn and get better.”
Saturday’s loss means the All Blacks sit in third place on the Rugby Championship table with the Springboks topping the pile after their win over the Wallabies.
