After viewing his second Japan Rugby League One match of the weekend on Sunday, New Zealand head coach Scott Robertson stated that the current generation of Japan-based All Blacks is in capable hands.
The 49-year-old former All Black was at Prince Chichibu Memorial Rugby Ground when a Brave Lupus Tokyo team led by 2023 World Cup players Shannon Frizell and Richie Mo’unga upset the Sagamihara Dynaboars 41-19.
He also witnessed All Blacks flanker Ardie Savea’s Kobe Steelers lose 28-18 to leaders Saitama Wild Knights in the Kobe Universiade.
He visited Memorial Stadium on Saturday as part of a weeklong journey to keep track of New Zealand players in League One.
Tokyo Sungoliath’s Sam Cane and Toyota Verblitz’s Beauden Barrett are both eligible to return to national service after a season-long “sabbatical” in Japan, although Mo’unga’s multi-year deal with Brave Lupus precludes him from selection.
“Our players are in great physical condition, and we’re really pleased,” said Robertson, who took over as New Zealand’s head coach from Ian Foster at the start of the year.
“We think that they’re well looked after, they’re well coached (and) they’re in a situation where they come back to New Zealand in good condition.”
Robertson said he was surprised by the quality of Japanese rugby during the trip, which “brought back memories” of his time with Ricoh Black Rams, now known as Black Rams Tokyo.
“I think the quality on and off the field is definitely building,” that’s what he said.
After watching Mo’unga give a man-of-the-match performance for Brave Lupus, Robertson declined to comment on the possibility of revisions to New Zealand’s eligibility criteria, but lauded the No. 10’s skills.
“Our current eligibility rules stand and there’s been no change,” he added.
“He (Mo’unga) plays good rugby, doesn’t he?” Exceptional; he’s definitely the best player in League One.”
Robertson stated that New Zealand’s influence on Japanese rugby extended beyond the top players and coaches, with several Kiwis giving tactical, medical, and strength-and-conditioning knowledge to League One sides.
“There are a lot of familiar faces who have come through the system in New Zealand, so it’s good to see them having a good time in Japan,” he added.
The All Blacks’ hectic 2024 itinerary includes a match against Japan on October 26 in Yokohama. While future tests against England, Ireland, and France may be more important, Robertson will not underestimate the Brave Blossoms.
“We know the quality of Japan Rugby,” he went on to say. “On the day a lot can happen, so you have to be ready for that match — the speed, the quality of skills, the variation and the innovation of the match, and the passion of the crowd.”
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