Scott Robertson: We’ll get them, clear pathway revealed to destroy Springboks

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2R1C7EM Crusdaers coach Scott Robertson during the Super Rugby Pacific Round 12 match between the Canterbury Crusaders and the Auckland Blues at Orangetheory Stadium in Christchurch, New Zealand, Saturday, May 13, 2023. (AAP Image/John Davidson/via Photosport) NO ARCHIVING, EDITORIAL USE ONLY

Scott Robertson fires Springboks warning as ‘reality’ of All Blacks’ title hopes addressed

All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson has admitted his team will need to beat the Springboks twice if they are to win back the Rugby Championship title.

Robertson”s side will play host to the defending champions in rounds three and four of this year’s Championship, putting their 31-year unbeaten record at Eden Park on the line in the process.

‘That’s the reality of it’

Both sides come into the Rugby Championship in good touch, though. Erasmus’ side romped to a series win against Italy in their two-Test series and backed that up with a win over Georgia; and in that time, the Boks also notched 142 points (an average of 47 points per Test) while only conceding 34 (11 per Test).

The All Blacks also notched a home series win last month, securing a clean sweep over France in a three-Test series. Robertson’s side also scored 103 points in that time (34 per Test) and conceded 63 (21 per Test).

But, while they might both be in good form, recent results suggest the visitors could be the favourites. The Springboks have won their past four meetings, including the dramatic 2023 World Cup final in Paris and the two 2024 Rugby Championship clashes; wins which eventually steered the Boks to their first title since 2019.

With the Boks coming to Aotearoa as reigning champions, Robertson, who is also known as “Razor”, is fully aware of the threat they represent and feels his side’s title hopes rest on that two-Test series in September.

“They’re one and the same, aren’t they?” he responded when asked if he would rather beat the Boks twice or win the title.

“I think if anyone is looking to win the Rugby Championship, you’ve got to beat them twice. That’s the reality of it.”

The victories over South Africa would also see them win back the Freedom Cup, which they lost for the first time since 2009 last year.