In a striking critique, All Blacks legend Jeff Wilson has taken aim at head coach Scott Robertson's strategy as the Rugby World Cup looms, urging a pivot in focus towards perfecting the main squad rather than building extensive depth. Wilson expressed his concerns following revelations during the France series about Robertson’s ambition to establish four players of test quality in every position by 2027.
Robertson, inspired by the Springboks' depth under Rassie Erasmus, believes in the necessity for a robust squad capable of handling injuries and suspensions seamlessly. However, Wilson argues that this strategy may dilute the quality of the core team, which he feels needs more attention after a mixed performance under Robertson’s tenure.
"This is where I tend to disagree a little bit regarding Will Jordan. We can be as effective, if not better, with him playing on the wing and having Damian McKenzie at full-back,"
Wilson stated on The Breakdown.
He further criticized the depth strategy by highlighting the versatility of players like Jordie Barrett and Richard Kahui, who have excelled in multiple positions due to their adaptability rather than being part of a four-deep roster. Wilson’s mantra is clear:
"For me, this four deep thing, I don’t buy into that, I want to find the 23 that will win us a Rugby World Cup. Let’s start looking for that."
Amidst this debate, the All Blacks face immediate challenges with multiple injuries as they head into the Rugby Championship. With a training squad of 42, including replacements for injured players such as Asafo Aumua, Ofa Tu'ungafasi, and Stephen Perofeta, Robertson’s depth policy will be put to the test. Notably, experienced players like Ethan Blackadder and Dalton Papali’i were left out, a decision Wilson attributes to giving newer players a shot.
"I think it’s very similar to Finlay Christie. We know about Dalton Papali’i, we know about Ethan Blackadder," Wilson remarked, emphasizing the necessity to explore fresh talent for future success.
As the All Blacks gear up for their next fixtures, the interplay of strategies between building depth and honing the main squad will be crucial in shaping their path to the World Cup, with Wilson’s seasoned insights casting a sharp light on the road ahead.
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In a striking critique, All Blacks legend Jeff Wilson has taken aim at head coach Scott Robertson's strategy as the Rugby World Cup looms, urging a pivot in focus towards perfecting the main squad rather than building extensive depth. Wilson expressed his concerns following revelations during the France series about Robertson’s ambition to establish four players of test quality in every position by 2027.
Robertson, inspired by the Springboks' depth under Rassie Erasmus, believes in the necessity for a robust squad capable of handling injuries and suspensions seamlessly. However, Wilson argues that this strategy may dilute the quality of the core team, which he feels needs more attention after a mixed performance under Robertson’s tenure.
"This is where I tend to disagree a little bit regarding Will Jordan. We can be as effective, if not better, with him playing on the wing and having Damian McKenzie at full-back,"
Wilson stated on The Breakdown.He further criticized the depth strategy by highlighting the versatility of players like Jordie Barrett and Richard Kahui, who have excelled in multiple positions due to their adaptability rather than being part of a four-deep roster. Wilson’s mantra is clear:
"For me, this four deep thing, I don’t buy into that, I want to find the 23 that will win us a Rugby World Cup. Let’s start looking for that."
Amidst this debate, the All Blacks face immediate challenges with multiple injuries as they head into the Rugby Championship. With a training squad of 42, including replacements for injured players such as Asafo Aumua, Ofa Tu'ungafasi, and Stephen Perofeta, Robertson’s depth policy will be put to the test. Notably, experienced players like Ethan Blackadder and Dalton Papali’i were left out, a decision Wilson attributes to giving newer players a shot.
"I think it’s very similar to Finlay Christie. We know about Dalton Papali’i, we know about Ethan Blackadder," Wilson remarked, emphasizing the necessity to explore fresh talent for future success.
As the All Blacks gear up for their next fixtures, the interplay of strategies between building depth and honing the main squad will be crucial in shaping their path to the World Cup, with Wilson’s seasoned insights casting a sharp light on the road ahead.