Scott Robertson’s blunt response after ‘confidence’ in young All Blacks questioned and what he’s ‘realised’ about the step up
All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson and uncapped back-rower Simon Parker.
All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson has insisted that his rookies are all ready to reach the next level if they have to be called upon.
The 51-year-old picked his strongest available team in last Saturday’s Rugby Championship opener away to Argentina in Cordoba and may well do the same for the second clash between the teams in Buenos Aires.
Robertson could feasibly name a few younger players among the replacements but he will no doubt have an eye on the Springboks with his team selection.
Four newbies in All Blacks squad
New Zealand called up four uncapped players into the Rugby Championship squad, with three of those there as injury cover, and none of them appeared in the 23 for last Saturday’s Los Pumas clash.
The likes of Timoci Tavatavanawai and Brodie McAlister, who debuted in July, also missed out on that round one win and Robertson believes that there is a significant learning process for the players in order to adapt to Test rugby.
“What we have realised is there is a Super level which you watch and is played with speed, a lot of high ball in play and high minutes,” he told reporters.
“That skill set they have got, but there is also the skill set that is required at Test level, so how do we transition them in? The high balls, the kicking, the backfield coverage, the ability to see space, the line speed that comes with it.
“We have seen some great stuff but, over the French series, the whole period of time was getting them up to the skill set that’s required and also into our systems and structures.
“It’s a great group, all the young guys that are coming through are really professional, so we’re really pleased that they’ve taken to the All Blacks way and the professionalism of it.”
Simon Parker was the only uncapped player to be selected in the 36-man training squad with Tevita Mafileo, Kyle Preston and Leroy Carter there as cover for Tyrel Lomax, Cam Roigard/Noah Hotham and Caleb Clarke respectively.
All Blacks selection a balancing act
Robertson resisted the temptation to bring any of them in last weekend, which means this Saturday’s round two encounter in Buenos Aires is possibly his final chance to experiment in the Rugby Championship.
If he doesn’t, further injuries against Los Pumas may complicate matters and force him to name some rookies in the squad for the Springboks clash.
That does not concern the All Blacks boss, however. When questioned whether he had confidence in his young players to perform if given an opportunity, he bluntly responded: “Yeah, that’s why they are in the team!
“Everyone that has come into the environment has stepped up. When we have given them the opportunity, we’ve helped them to get ready and they have taken it.”
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