Scott Robertson names two most challenging positions for All Blacks to fill

Scott Robertson, the new coach, has identified lock and halfback as the two most difficult positions to replace as they prepare to usher in a new era without some retired legends.
When the full-time whistle blew at Stade de France on a terrible October night last year, the All Blacks hung their heads, having lost the Rugby World Cup final by a single point.
However, at that point, certain New Zealand rugby giants’ Test careers were cut short. The retiring players included lock Sam Whitelock and Brodie Retallick, as well as halfback Aaron Smith.

All three individuals are regarded as some of the greatest All Blacks in history, making it a difficult assignment for those deemed qualified to follow in their footsteps under new coach ‘Razor’ Robertson.

“I assume we discussed the locks. “When you lose two, you have to bring one or two back in,” Robertson told Sky Sports NZ’s The Breakdown.

“We still have Patrick (Tuipulotu) there when he returns. He is a champion, and when he is on form, he is an excellent player.

“Probably the halfback with Aaron Smith…” You’re not going to replace him, but someone has to take responsibility for themselves in any job.

“We’re seeing some good guys emerge from a number of organizations.

“Those are off the top of my mind, those two key positions there.”
Robertson mentioned Patrick Tuipulotu, indicating that the injured Blues captain is a strong contender for a return to the All Blacks in 2024.

Scott Barrett is the lone certainty at lock, but the Chiefs’ Tupou Vaa’i and Josh Lord have international experience as well.

Hurricane No. 9 Cam Roigard appears to be the main prospect to replace Aaron Smith, but halfbacks in New Zealand lack Test experience elsewhere.

So, in principle, the All Blacks and New Zealand Rugby might go elsewhere to fill some of these holes.

Robertson has previously spoken about “keeping an open mind” regarding potentially changing the current eligibility standards that ban overseas players who are not contracted to New Zealand Rugby from representing the All Blacks.

“As I mentioned earlier on just around keeping an open mind about the eligibility criteria,” he said.

“First, everyone believes we’re going to open the floodgates, but we’re not. I’m just looking at the people that are eligible and meet the requirements.
“I work with agents all the time. I work with players, and one of my primary responsibilities is to understand their needs. If I’m going to say it publicly, I need to talk to the players about it and understand where the game is heading.”

Scott Robertson’s debut Test in charge of the All Blacks is scheduled for July 6th, when New Zealand hosts England at Dunedin’s Forsyth Barr Stadium.