Scott Robertson reveals his plan for All Blacks’ Super Rugby Pacific player load management

The incoming head coach of the All Blacks, Scott Robertson, has announced plans to implement changes to the player load management of New Zealand’s Test players participating in Super Rugby Pacific. With the advantage of centrally contracted Test players, Robertson aims to have more control over how much rest these players require during the regular season.

Under instructions from New Zealand Rugby, Test players are not allowed to play more than five consecutive matches, necessitating adjustments to the line-ups of New Zealand’s franchises. Robertson, who led the Crusaders to seven Super Rugby titles, acknowledges the challenges of managing a squad with several All Blacks but emphasizes a shift toward flexibility.

The new approach involves individualized load management for each athlete, considering factors such as the player’s previous workload, physical condition, and the team’s draw over the round-robin phase. Robertson emphasizes collaboration with Super Rugby coaches to tailor player schedules based on individual needs rather than adhering strictly to a set rule.

During his tenure with the Crusaders, Robertson occasionally deviated from mandated player rest requirements, negotiating to keep key players on the field when faced with injury crises. However, the balancing act did not always yield positive results, as evidenced by a surprising loss to the Fijian Drua Lautoka during the early stages of the previous Super Rugby Pacific campaign.

Robertson recognizes the need for players to reach their peak performance for their franchises before entering the international window. However, he acknowledges the challenge of maintaining players’ optimum levels throughout the demanding season, which includes 17 Super Rugby games followed by 14 Tests.

To address this, Robertson emphasizes the importance of individualized conversations, involving the medical team, and maintaining open and honest communication. Balancing the needs of players with the schedule poses a fine line, requiring careful management and coordination between national and Super Rugby coaches. Robertson assures that the All Blacks won’t play a total of 31 games, emphasizing the need for a tailored approach to meet individual athletes’ requirements.