The All Blacks' 2025 run under Scott Robertson has been a mixed bag, with New Zealand rugby legend Murray Mexted delivering a stark verdict on their performance. Despite closing the season with a commanding 52-26 win against Wales, resulting in a solid record of 10 wins and three losses, Mexted believes the team has stagnated. The former international is not mincing words about the All Blacks' failure to clinch the Rugby Championship title or complete a Grand Slam during their northern hemisphere tour.
Mexted expressed his frustration on DSPN with Martin Devlin, stating,
“C- and no, I’m not beating around the bush. They haven’t improved at all in my view,”
highlighting that while some players have been weeded out, the fruits of these changes are yet to manifest. He remains optimistic, however, about the potential improvements in 2026, especially in the front five, praising the health of the front-row even as he critiques their scrummaging against formidable teams like the Springboks and England.
He pointed out,
“I don’t think I’ve seen the All Blacks forward pack go back like I have in the last three weeks, it’s incredible that we are going backwards in the scrum,”
signaling a need for ongoing adjustments. Despite these setbacks, Mexted acknowledged the efforts of forwards coach Jason Ryan and highlighted emerging talents like Tamaiti Williams and Pasilio Tosi who are expected to bolster the team's capabilities.
On a brighter note, Mexted is satisfied with the development in the second-row, where injuries have ironically helped in building depth. Players like Fabian Holland and Josh Lord have stepped up effectively, maintaining the team's competitive edge.
Concluding his assessment, Mexted reiterated his C- grade but underscored a confident outlook for the future, “It’s still a C- minus, they’re still learning their trade at that level and they will all get better and better because they’ve got that potential.” With the Rugby World Cup on the horizon, the All Blacks are under scrutiny but not without hope, as their legendary figures watch closely and expect resurgence.
2,193 posts
The All Blacks' 2025 run under Scott Robertson has been a mixed bag, with New Zealand rugby legend Murray Mexted delivering a stark verdict on their performance. Despite closing the season with a commanding 52-26 win against Wales, resulting in a solid record of 10 wins and three losses, Mexted believes the team has stagnated. The former international is not mincing words about the All Blacks' failure to clinch the Rugby Championship title or complete a Grand Slam during their northern hemisphere tour.
Mexted expressed his frustration on DSPN with Martin Devlin, stating,
“C- and no, I’m not beating around the bush. They haven’t improved at all in my view,”
highlighting that while some players have been weeded out, the fruits of these changes are yet to manifest. He remains optimistic, however, about the potential improvements in 2026, especially in the front five, praising the health of the front-row even as he critiques their scrummaging against formidable teams like the Springboks and England.He pointed out,
“I don’t think I’ve seen the All Blacks forward pack go back like I have in the last three weeks, it’s incredible that we are going backwards in the scrum,”
signaling a need for ongoing adjustments. Despite these setbacks, Mexted acknowledged the efforts of forwards coach Jason Ryan and highlighted emerging talents like Tamaiti Williams and Pasilio Tosi who are expected to bolster the team's capabilities.On a brighter note, Mexted is satisfied with the development in the second-row, where injuries have ironically helped in building depth. Players like Fabian Holland and Josh Lord have stepped up effectively, maintaining the team's competitive edge.
Concluding his assessment, Mexted reiterated his C- grade but underscored a confident outlook for the future, “It’s still a C- minus, they’re still learning their trade at that level and they will all get better and better because they’ve got that potential.” With the Rugby World Cup on the horizon, the All Blacks are under scrutiny but not without hope, as their legendary figures watch closely and expect resurgence.