In a stunning revelation following their commanding 41-24 win over Argentina, All Blacks coach Scott Robertson was taken aback to learn that the victory had catapulted New Zealand back to the apex of the World Rugby rankings, a position they last held in November 2021. The triumph not only marked a significant start to their Rugby Championship campaign but also dethroned the Springboks from the top spot, a first since their 2023 World Cup victory.
Robertson, who spoke to the media post-match, expressed his astonishment, "It’s actually something we just learned, because you just told us. It shows how tough Test footy is and the margins." The All Blacks' performance in Cordoba was a mix of dominance and resilience, especially after Australia's unexpected win over South Africa earlier that day added an extra layer of reward to their efforts.
"A moment, discipline, a card, great play, two or three tries back to back can turn Test matches,"
Despite the joy of topping the rankings, Robertson emphasized that the focus was already shifting towards the next challenge. "We’re pleased we’re No.1, but our sights are settled on next week’s match, rather than rankings." This statement reflects the relentless mindset that typifies the All Blacks' approach to the game.
The match itself was a rollercoaster, with New Zealand establishing a commanding 31-10 lead by halftime, before Argentina clawed back, narrowing the margin significantly. However, pivotal late tries from Samisoni Taukei'aho sealed the win for the visitors. Robertson acknowledged the fluctuating nature of the game, "31-10 at half-time, we let them back in by not having the discipline that’s required. There’s a lot of efforts we can look back on and areas we can improve."
While reflecting on the team's performance, Robertson couldn't hide his delight at the positives, yet he maintained a critical perspective. "You’re never satisfied as an All Black, because there’s always room to improve. The exciting part is we did so much good stuff."
The journey continues as the All Blacks prepare to face Argentina again in Buenos Aires, carrying not just the momentum of a win but the mantle of being the world's number one team, a testament to their enduring legacy and relentless pursuit of excellence in rugby.
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In a stunning revelation following their commanding 41-24 win over Argentina, All Blacks coach Scott Robertson was taken aback to learn that the victory had catapulted New Zealand back to the apex of the World Rugby rankings, a position they last held in November 2021. The triumph not only marked a significant start to their Rugby Championship campaign but also dethroned the Springboks from the top spot, a first since their 2023 World Cup victory.
Robertson, who spoke to the media post-match, expressed his astonishment, "It’s actually something we just learned, because you just told us. It shows how tough Test footy is and the margins." The All Blacks' performance in Cordoba was a mix of dominance and resilience, especially after Australia's unexpected win over South Africa earlier that day added an extra layer of reward to their efforts.
"A moment, discipline, a card, great play, two or three tries back to back can turn Test matches,"
Despite the joy of topping the rankings, Robertson emphasized that the focus was already shifting towards the next challenge. "We’re pleased we’re No.1, but our sights are settled on next week’s match, rather than rankings." This statement reflects the relentless mindset that typifies the All Blacks' approach to the game.
The match itself was a rollercoaster, with New Zealand establishing a commanding 31-10 lead by halftime, before Argentina clawed back, narrowing the margin significantly. However, pivotal late tries from Samisoni Taukei'aho sealed the win for the visitors. Robertson acknowledged the fluctuating nature of the game, "31-10 at half-time, we let them back in by not having the discipline that’s required. There’s a lot of efforts we can look back on and areas we can improve."
While reflecting on the team's performance, Robertson couldn't hide his delight at the positives, yet he maintained a critical perspective. "You’re never satisfied as an All Black, because there’s always room to improve. The exciting part is we did so much good stuff."
The journey continues as the All Blacks prepare to face Argentina again in Buenos Aires, carrying not just the momentum of a win but the mantle of being the world's number one team, a testament to their enduring legacy and relentless pursuit of excellence in rugby.