Newly Appointed All Blacks Coach Wary of England’s Formidable Back-Row and Star Fly-Half
Ahead of the highly anticipated first Test next weekend, newly appointed All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson has highlighted the formidable threat posed by England’s back-row and their star fly-half, Marcus Smith.
Robertson, the 49-year-old Crusaders legend, will be taking charge of the New Zealand national team for the first time on July 6 when the Red Rose side visits Dunedin. The seasoned coach, who replaced Ian Foster following the Rugby World Cup, announced his squad on Monday as the All Blacks look to overcome the inevitable rust that comes with a fresh start.
The Kiwis will be facing a well-established England outfit, and Robertson understands the challenge of quickly getting his team up to speed. The All Blacks boss recently went on a scouting mission to Twickenham in March, where he witnessed the much-improved Red Rose side narrowly overcome Ireland 23-22.
In an interview with The Telegraph, Robertson discussed England’s key threats, including the dynamic back-row duo of Sam Underhill and Ben Earl. With the likely replacement for the injured Ollie Chessum, 21-year-old Chandler Cunningham-South, also impressing in the early stages of his international career, the All Blacks head coach is wary of the visitors’ formidable loose forward trio.
Moreover, Robertson is particularly impressed by the skills of England’s fly-half Marcus Smith, who he believes shares similarities with the type of playmakers the All Blacks have historically produced. The Harlequins-based player’s “natural, quick” abilities, coupled with his “electric feet” and game-changing potential, have caught the attention of the New Zealand boss.
“England’s loose-forward trio is extremely gifted. Their ability to slow down the breakdown is world class,” Robertson acknowledged. “With Marcus at 10, he’s a creator, he can do things out of hand or off his feet – beating players, kicking – and he creates a lot.”
As the All Blacks prepare to face a formidable England side, Scott Robertson’s insights into the visitors’ key threats, particularly in the back-row and at fly-half, will undoubtedly shape their strategy for the highly anticipated series opener.
🔗 Source
