SPOTLIGHT: The All Blacks under new coach Scott Robertson may have to change everything and follow South Africa’s approach in order to win a World Cup again.
South Africa claimed a fourth men’s World Cup title after defeating the All Blacks 12-11 in the final last year after goal kicking misses left points on the pitch in a tight affair.
Robertson spoke to Sky Sport NZ’s The Breakdown about his view on whether the All Blacks have to change and become like the Springboks in order to win World Cups again.
“Test football is a game of strength, the World Cup is a game of finals and strengths,” Robertson said.
“They [Springboks] also play that.” They have excellent set-piece, kicking, and defending capabilities. They also kick goals to win.
“Most significant competitions that incorporate ‘kicking’ conclude with a kick to win. The important ones—soccer, [American] football, rugby, league—are won with the foot.
They also won it without trying. The kicks were manufactured by them. They returned to their strengths with extremely narrow margins at that level, and that was the nature of the match.
“This year, I really want to win and grow, so that we may succeed in two or three different ways. The secret to achieving success over a four-year period is that.
Robertson highlighted aspects like winning in wet conditions, winning away from home in different environments as key milestones to tick off, while embedding the “game management” understanding within the team.
He wants varied defensive strategies, which will probably take some time to perfect, for the various opponents the All Blacks will face.
Talking about the group he inherited after having the chance to work with the players in January in camp, Robertson stated it was a good blend of guys in their late 20’s that have been there and one that.
“We are aware that every World Cup cycle will include defeat; guys will inevitably move on.
“We still have a fantastic bunch of hungry people. Though I haven’t quite there, I am aware of it, have lived it, and I genuinely love the All Blacks.
“A new generation is emerging who are prepared to seize that chance as well.”
