Scott Robertson: It was my choice to face the Springboks at Eden Park
General view of Eden Park and All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson.
All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson has revealed that it was his decision to face the Springboks at Eden Park ahead of Saturday’s much anticipated clash..
New Zealand put their record at the iconic ground on the line against the back-to-back world champions having not lost there since 1994.
That unbeaten streak has taken in 50 matches over that 31-year period, but the Springboks will aim to make sure they do not get to 51.
South Africa have not faced the All Blacks at Eden Park since 2013, but Robertson was determined to take on their fiercest rivals at the venue.
Robertson’s revelation
“You look back and you look at the stats, and there’s a story behind it. They asked me last year when I took over the job, ‘these are the Tests, where can you play them?’” he told reporters.
“I said: ‘It’s been a long time, let’s do it’.
“These are the occasions you have to look forward to as a rugby player, as a team and a country. That’s why there’s so much interest in it.
“Probably the big thing, it’s Saturday night that matters. Those records were made on those nights, on those days, so we’re looking forward to the occasion.”
Robertson has resisted the temptation to make mass changes from the side that were stunned by Argentina in Buenos Aires.
The All Blacks boss has decided to name Emoni Narawa on the wing ahead of Sevu Reece and shift Simon Parker to blindside to allow Wallace Sititi to come in at number eight.
Despite the disappointing loss in South America, New Zealand’s head coach admitted that it was about getting the balance right between making the necessary alterations while also keeping the core of the squad together.
“It’s exactly how we thought about it. It’s a little bit of cohesion, guys that have played together… after the French game and the combination of the two Argentina teams,” he said.
“We’ve backed a few players on their experience and combinations, and also the skills that are required for this Test match.”
All Blacks inquest
As with every All Blacks defeat, there was an inquest following the Argentina reversal, and that has led to a rather fraught build-up to the Springboks clash.
However, Robertson has a simple message to his side as they look to respond to that loss in the Argentinian capital.
“Clear the heads, go and play some footy,” he said. “Obviously, it will be an emotional game and a lot of physical contact, so it’s about stepping forward to that and part of that is having a clear mind.
“Mindset always over skill set and the skill set that drives you to trust your skills.”
The All Blacks boss added: “Back three coverage is really critical, it’s critical for us to win the air and we got the reps we needed this week. The boys are looking forward to that.
“Probably the collisions around the back-row, the ability to keep winning them and be technically sound. The skill set of those big bodies that are coming towards us and how we get them to the ground.”
