All Blacks Stagnate Under Coach Robertson's Reign

**As the All Blacks gear up for the final showdown in the Rugby Championship, questions loom large over their progress—or lack thereof—under the guidance of Scott Robertson. The legendary Murray Mexted reiterates his concerns, likening his repeated criticisms to sounding like a “broken record.” With historic losses marking their campaign, the scrutiny on Robertson’s tactical choices and team dynamics intensifies.** Mexted expressed his frustrations following New Zealand's mixed results in the championship, including unprecedented defeats in South America and a severe setback against the Springboks. His dialogue with Martin Devlin on DSPN post-All Blacks' win against Australia was telling. **

“Not visually at the moment,”

** Mexted responded when asked if the team has shown any improvement under Robertson's regime. Despite his respect for Robertson, Mexted pointed out glaring issues in the team's approach to ball possession and physicality in the forwards. **

“It’s not what we’re doing, it’s what we’re not doing that I think is the problem,”

** he noted, highlighting a critical shortfall in winning and controlling the ball from the first phase. The critique extends to the selection decisions, particularly in the back five of the scrum, where New Zealand's lack of size compared to teams like South Africa and Australia has been a disadvantage. Mexted argued that the All Blacks do not possess the necessary physical stature in their locks and back-rowers to compete aerially with the world’s best. In terms of team adjustments, Mexted supported the strategic placement of Tupou Vaa’i at blindside flanker, a position he has briefly held before returning to lock in recent games. He also suggested dropping Wallace Sititi to reshape the dynamic of the forwards. As the All Blacks confront their future matches, the pressure is squarely on Robertson to validate his strategies and justify his selections amidst growing doubts about the team’s direction and capability to reclaim their dominant stature on the international stage.