In a candid post-match reflection, Scott Robertson, head coach of the All Blacks, dissected what led to their historic 43-10 thrashing by the Springboks in Wellington—a loss marking the worst in their 141-year legacy. The defeat, which saw the All Blacks drop to third in the Rugby Championship standings, was a result of failing to dominate the aerial and set-piece confrontations, according to Robertson.
The match, emblematic of a game of two halves, turned on its head after the break. Robertson commended the Springboks' performance, acknowledging their effective strategy. "South Africa played incredibly well, they took their opportunities," he admitted. Despite the initial potential for a different outcome, the second half saw New Zealand overwhelmed in key areas of the game.
"It was a game of two halves, but it could have been different if Cheslin Kolbe doesn't gamble on a pass; it's 14-0,"
Robertson pointed out that the Springboks' prowess in the kicking game, often criticized, was a decisive factor. "South Africa have probably been criticized for their kicking game over the years, but they put so much value and time into it and they get return on it, they’re so good at it," he explained. This tactical mastery allowed the Springboks to pile on 36 unanswered points in the latter half, with a devastating 19 points in the final 12 minutes alone.
The crushing defeat was not just a numerical loss but a psychological blow to the team. "You get extremely disappointed," Robertson shared, highlighting the emotional toll on his squad. The All Blacks now face the challenge of regrouping as they prepare for the upcoming Bledisloe Cup matches against Australia.
"Firstly [we] own it, and then go and get some responsibility and find out what we need to fix,"
Moving forward, Robertson emphasized the importance of accountability and a clear focus on rectifying their shortcomings. The upcoming games offer a chance for redemption, but as Robertson noted, the path to recovery will be about clarity and precision in their approach to both strategy and execution.
The All Blacks' next steps are crucial as they look to rebound from this setback and regain their standing in the fiercely competitive Rugby Championship.
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In a candid post-match reflection, Scott Robertson, head coach of the All Blacks, dissected what led to their historic 43-10 thrashing by the Springboks in Wellington—a loss marking the worst in their 141-year legacy. The defeat, which saw the All Blacks drop to third in the Rugby Championship standings, was a result of failing to dominate the aerial and set-piece confrontations, according to Robertson.
The match, emblematic of a game of two halves, turned on its head after the break. Robertson commended the Springboks' performance, acknowledging their effective strategy. "South Africa played incredibly well, they took their opportunities," he admitted. Despite the initial potential for a different outcome, the second half saw New Zealand overwhelmed in key areas of the game.
"It was a game of two halves, but it could have been different if Cheslin Kolbe doesn't gamble on a pass; it's 14-0,"
Robertson pointed out that the Springboks' prowess in the kicking game, often criticized, was a decisive factor. "South Africa have probably been criticized for their kicking game over the years, but they put so much value and time into it and they get return on it, they’re so good at it," he explained. This tactical mastery allowed the Springboks to pile on 36 unanswered points in the latter half, with a devastating 19 points in the final 12 minutes alone.
The crushing defeat was not just a numerical loss but a psychological blow to the team. "You get extremely disappointed," Robertson shared, highlighting the emotional toll on his squad. The All Blacks now face the challenge of regrouping as they prepare for the upcoming Bledisloe Cup matches against Australia.
"Firstly [we] own it, and then go and get some responsibility and find out what we need to fix,"
Moving forward, Robertson emphasized the importance of accountability and a clear focus on rectifying their shortcomings. The upcoming games offer a chance for redemption, but as Robertson noted, the path to recovery will be about clarity and precision in their approach to both strategy and execution.
The All Blacks' next steps are crucial as they look to rebound from this setback and regain their standing in the fiercely competitive Rugby Championship.