BBC Rugby Union: All Blacks Coach Demands Improvement Ahead of Second Test Against England
New Zealand head coach Scott Robertson acknowledged he is quickly adapting to the demands of international rugby and has called for his team to raise their game before their second Test against England at Eden Park on Saturday.
Robertson oversaw his first match as All Blacks boss last Saturday, where his side was involved in a tightly contested affair with the Red Rose at the Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin. The two teams were level at 10-10 at halftime, but an early second-half try from Immanuel Feyi-Waboso gave England a 15-10 lead. However, the All Blacks regained their composure, with Damian McKenzie’s two late penalties guiding them to a narrow 16-15 victory.
Reflecting on the encounter, Robertson acknowledged his team’s lineout struggles, singling out England lock Maro Itoje for the pressure he applied. > “Maro… and we can probably be a little bit quicker,” said the coach. “We’ve just got to think a bit faster and be faster on our feet, but fair play to him, he’s an operator.”
Despite the All Blacks’ impressive record at Eden Park, where they have been unbeaten in 48 consecutive Tests since 1994, Robertson is not taking the venue’s “fortress” status for granted. > “Well, the only advantage you have is in your performance and preparing for it,” he added.
The 49-year-old is confident his side will deliver a much-improved display, identifying decision-making and execution as key areas for improvement. > “I think we’ll be Test match aware. We’ve got to refine a few things and our job as coaches is to make sure we simplify things to make everyone think fast and act fast, and that’s when we’re at our best.”
As the All Blacks look to build on their narrow victory in the first Test, Robertson dismissed any suggestions of rustiness, stating, > “Rust is an excuse isn’t it? It’s decision-making and just seeing ourselves. We can own it and get better.”
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