All Blacks Seek Return to Attacking Glory Under New Coach
As the All Blacks embark on a new era under head coach Scott Robertson, former scrum-half Justin Marshall is urging the team to recapture their traditional all-singing, all-dancing playing style. The New Zealanders endured a tumultuous few seasons after the 2019 Rugby World Cup, suffering a home defeat to Argentina and a series loss against Ireland, which saw them slide down the World Rugby rankings.
“The All Blacks are at their best when they have the ability to play the field, for when they see opportunities rather than be a territory-based team,” he told The Platform.
Marshall hopes Robertson will instill a renewed willingness to chance their arm from deep, rather than resorting to an overly cautious, kicking-focused game plan. “It’s not the way historically we have been successful as a nation, it’s not what makes us dangerous and I feel this coaching group, led by Scott Robertson, is aware of that,” the 50-year-old added.
With five uncapped players named in Robertson’s first 32-man squad, the new era begins next weekend as the All Blacks take on England in a two-Test series, before facing Fiji in San Diego. They will then look to defend their Rugby Championship title, won in 2023, as they aim to recapture their status as the most thrilling team in world rugby.
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