Scott Robertson: Why ‘one of the best’ Damian McKenzie benched for Los Pumas clash as All Blacks boss wary of Pablo Matera threat
All Blacks Damian McKenzie and Ardie Savea with an inset of Argentina forwards Agustin Creevy and Pablo Matera
Scott Robertson has explained the decision to select Beauden Barrett in the All Blacks starting XV against Argentina in the Rugby Championship opener.
Barrett has been handed the playmaking reins for the clash against Los Pumas, with Damian McKenzie named on the bench with the pair jostling for the starting role.
Barrett v McKenzie
The All Blacks boss has mostly backed experience for the encounter, with none of the uncapped players included in the touring team named in the matchday squad.
While McKenzie was the go-to selection in the number 10 jumper during the first few matches that Robertson was in charge of the side last year, Barrett took over the role in the latter stages of the season and did so again for the first two Tests against France.
When asked about the reasoning for Barrett’s selection in the starting XV, Robertson issued a frank response.
“Beauden is experienced; he has been around for a long time,” he explained.
“He can get you around the field well, and DMac is one of the best players in the game to come off the bench and change the pace and speed, so it’s a great balance.
“Beauden is in great form, so he gets picked.”
Barrett possesses one of the best tactical kicking games at the highest level, a key trait against Los Pumas, who have been exceptional in that facet of the game since Felipe Contepomi took charge of the side.
Delving into the key battlegrounds, the All Blacks boss said: “The set-piece in any Test match is critical; if you get a great set-piece, you create the opportunity to kick and put pressure.
“Their kicking game is great, they are extremely well-coached in that regard, and they execute it, so they can put you in the corners.
“We know how aggressive they are, and they are hard on the ball at the breakdown, too.”
Pablo Matera threat
Robertson’s former Crusaders star Pablo Matera will line up in the starting XV for Argentina, and the All Blacks boss is wary of the threat he poses.
The back-rower has produced some of his best performances in the blue and white hoops against New Zealand, steering his side to historic results.
“When Pablo turns up, Argentina turns up, we know that,” Matera’s former coach said.
“He is a hell of a player, and obviously, [Marcos] Kremer is very physical and tough.”
Still, he is confident that his loose trio can front up to the challenge that lies ahead.
“It will be a big battle,” he said.
“Tupou Vaa’i has transitioned beautifully into six, and [Du’Plessis] Kirifi is just starting his career, but he can have a lot of presence at the breakdown.
“These are the kind of nights that you want to see someone like him go head-to-head.”
