All Blacks Squad Unveiled as Razor’s Reign Begins
BBC Rugby Union: The highly anticipated Scott ‘Razor’ Robertson era has officially commenced, as the newly appointed All Blacks head coach announced his first squad on the heels of the Blues’ Super Rugby Pacific triumph last weekend.
Following extensive coverage of the squad announcement and fan reaction, this week’s ‘Razor Watch’ examines the lingering questions surrounding the upcoming Test season.
What’s on the All Blacks’ Schedule?
The mid-year international fixture planning has evolved in recent seasons, with the traditional multi-Test series now giving way to a two-match showdown against England, followed by a ‘developmental’ clash against Fiji before the start of the Rugby Championship.
This presents a stern challenge for Robertson’s opening fixtures, but also an opportunity to assess the team’s current state and potentially implement changes ahead of the southern hemisphere’s premier tournament.
The All Blacks will then face off against Argentina and the defending World Champions, South Africa, before the crucial Bledisloe Cup series against the Wallabies – a contest they have dominated for the past two decades.
A surprise fixture against Japan precedes the northern tour in November, where the All Blacks will take on England, Ireland, France, and Italy – a veritable gauntlet of the world’s top-ranked teams. This comprehensive schedule promises to be the perfect stage for Robertson to establish his mark on the international arena.
What Makes Robertson a Special Coach, and How is That a Threat to England?
Scott Robertson’s transition to the Test level is one of the most highly anticipated coaching debuts in recent memory. With an extraordinary 83.7% win rate and seven consecutive Super Rugby titles at the helm of the Crusaders, Razor is undoubtedly the most successful coach in the history of the competition.
Beyond his tactical acumen, Robertson’s ability to connect with players and understand their motivations is a significant asset. This people-first approach aligns perfectly with the cultural importance of rugby in New Zealand and has been instrumental in the development of numerous world-class talents at the Crusaders.
Moreover, Robertson’s willingness to lean on his coaching staff’s expertise, embracing a collaborative team effort, further enhances the cohesion and output of his squads. This team-centric ethos could prove a formidable challenge for England, as the All Blacks under Razor’s guidance are likely to be a highly motivated, well-drilled unit.
The overwhelming public support for Robertson’s appointment, in contrast to the often-criticized Ian Foster, also grants the new coach a degree of leeway and goodwill that he can capitalize on to establish early momentum. England’s hopes of “stealing some wins” will face a stern test against the world’s most promising emerging coach.
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