The new head coach of the All Blacks, Scott Robertson, is eager to make his visits to Super Rugby franchises mutually beneficial for himself, his team, and the opposing sides that were once considered rivals. As part of his role, Robertson aims to establish strong relationships with the coaches of the five Super Rugby clubs in New Zealand. These interactions will involve discussions on player management strategies leading up to domestic tests against England and Fiji the following winter.
Having previously coached the Crusaders from 2017 to 2023, Robertson, now at the helm of the national team, expresses curiosity about the inner workings of organizations that posed challenges to his former team. One of the highlights for him will be entering the Chiefs set-up, particularly under the leadership of Clayton McMillan, whose team proved formidable against the Crusaders in recent seasons.
In the past, access to Super Rugby franchises was off-limits for Robertson, but now he looks forward to gaining insights into their operations, learning about their weekly routines, leadership approaches, and team preparation methods. Robertson acknowledges the uniqueness of each team and is excited about the prospect of adopting valuable knowledge that can benefit the All Blacks.
As Robertson finalizes his management team, comprising approximately 20 members, his preparation involves monitoring players from the recent World Cup and assessing potential test debutants. With considerations around player workload, especially for those involved in the World Cup, Robertson is in the process of fine-tuning his strategy, ensuring a balanced approach.
The departure of key players, including Aaron Smith, Richie Mo’unga, Sam Whitelock, Brodie Retallick, and Shannon Frizell, necessitates a revamped All Blacks team. While test centurion Beauden Barrett’s potential long-term deal with NZ Rugby is uncertain, Robertson refrains from announcing the team’s captain, preferring to wait.
To enhance his coaching acumen, Robertson plans to watch Six Nations matches and visit key commercial partners based in the northern hemisphere. Drawing on the knowledge gained from observing round-robin games during the World Cup, he emphasizes the importance of being well-prepared for the unique challenges of test rugby, where small moments can have significant impacts. Robertson views each test as akin to a Super Rugby knockout game, recognizing the elevated standards of athleticism, skill, and intensity at the international level.
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