Scott Robertson’s tenure is clouded by a record loss, the worst home loss in history, and the most points given up in the second half. And it’s not the first time this year.
Perhaps such a shocking outcome may be presented as an isolated incident. But for that argument to be valid, there are too many recurrent themes.
As the investigation into the humiliating 43-10 loss to the Springboks in Wellington proceeds, the general goodwill that greeted Robertson’s ascent to the position of All Blacks last year—followed by seven consecutive Super Rugby titles with the Crusaders—is rapidly vanishing.
The Boks’ incredible second-half performance and radical tactical move, which might spark a generational transition in style, are certainly worthy of praise.
Yes, each of the four clubs in the exciting Rugby Championship this year has two victories. Yes, there is still a chance to win the southern hemisphere title, but no team has yet to record consecutive victories.
However, the heartbreaking aspect of last week’s fragmented, dysfunctional defeat, which included 46 missed tackles, was intolerable from the standpoint of an All Black.
But don’t take me at face value. It appeared as though the All Blacks “almost gave up” in the last quarter against the Boks, according to All Blacks centurion Mils Muliaina.
“You have to look at that All Blacks side, okay, there’s something isn’t right there, there’s something within that group when you are able to just leak and leak, where’s that spine we want to see?” said Kieran Read, a former captain of the All Blacks.
Yes. The All Blacks gave up 36 unanswered points and five tries in the second half in the capital, making it hard to remember a worse half-hour from them. Why are there so many New Zealanders among the sold-out crowds?
The crowd dispersed long before the finale, which is an uncommonly bleak sight on home soil.
It is no longer possible to dismiss the All Blacks’ inconsistent play as anything more than an anomaly after they have suffered six losses in 21 Test matches under Robertson, two of which have occurred in their previous four games, including their first setback in Argentina.
One can’t help but feel that Robertson and his coaching staff are finding it difficult to adjust to the big step up from Super Rugby and that their combined inexperience abroad is being revealed.
In light of this, it’s telling that Sir Wayne Smith was there at Eden Park for last week’s victory.
NZ Rugby CEO Mark Robinson made the now-famous claim that the first home series loss to Ireland was intolerable in the middle of 2022, at the height of Ian Foster’s turbulent tenure.
Two assistant coaches with the All Blacks were fired shortly after.
As pressure builds on Robertson’s capacity to address problems at the highest level, he may soon have to face a similar dilemma if some sort of clear progress and consistency are not immediately apparent.
To celebrate Ardie Savea’s 100th Test and defend fortress Eden Park, the All Blacks stepped up to the plate last week. But after a week, they were unable to develop the same mental toughness and were unable to handle the Boks’ combination of sweeping ball movement and set piece violence.
After the All Blacks made it apparent that they intended to win consecutive games, a hard-fought defeat in Wellington would have infuriated fans.
However, after suffering their worst defeat, surpassing even their pre-World Cup loss to the Boks at Twickenham, Robertson’s All Blacks are once more in danger and must quickly counterattack as the coveted Bledisloe Cup approaches.
For this hot-cold team, the situation is all too familiar.
The lack of progress in key areas of their game, especially their careless play under the high ball, where they are often exposed after the crackdown on escorts protecting the receiver, is as alarming.
“We put a lot of time into it and we’re not getting the return and the outcomes,” Robertson stated. “In order to achieve better results, perhaps we might modify the weeks, the way we kick the ball, and the way they receive it.
“The game changed as soon as the escorts left. That aspect of their game was really valuable to South Africa.
Another urgent issue is the set piece. The scrum, which the All Blacks take such pleasure in and have recently used as a weapon, came to a shivering halt against the Boks, who dominated both Test matches.
In Wellington, the lineup that produced two strike move tries at Eden Park the previous week also gave up, with replacement hooker Bordie McAlister and dubious tactical calling igniting the final quarter slump.
Players must master both individual skills and a system, particularly in the scrum area, which is what they observe. If they don’t, World Rugby will take legal action. They want to be very explicit about the images they receive.
“We work extremely hard and we pride ourselves on it, but we’ve got to deliver now so the adjustments have to come quickly.”
For the first of two Bledisloe matches at Eden Park, the All Blacks will welcome back veteran hooker Codie Taylor and elite halfback Cam Roigard. Caleb Clarke and Leicester Fa’ainanuku are probably going to be called upon to help with the attacking difficulties.
But, whoever is chosen, there must be far more heart, more pride in defense, and more accuracy in attack than was shown in Wellington’s bleak last moments.
Robertson’s term could be on the verge of a complete collapse if undesired history is added.
“We want to avoid overpursuing things. We wish to be clear. Focus is what we want. As a collective, starting with myself, what can we bring to the Bledisloe but honesty?
“They got away with it, even though we played some fantastic rugby. Our performance was inadequate. The opening of the second half did not meet our expectations.
That’s an understatement.
