Rugby
All Blacks Prepare for Cape Town Battle: Scott Robertson on Controversial Calls, Team Strategy, and Fan Support
The All Blacks gear up for a Cape Town showdown against the Springboks, with Scott Robertson addressing team strategy, controversial calls, and the passionate fan support they’ve received in South Africa.
Image Credits: Hannah Peters/Getty Images
The All Blacks have announced their team to face the Springboks. Included in their starting line-up is Wallace Sititi in place of injured Ethan Blackadder.
Team Announcement vs. Springboks: 2nd Test
The All Blacks are without their overseas based players which include Richie Mo'unga, Aaron Smith and Shannon Frizell just to name a few.
New Zealand Rugby CEO Mark Robinson stood firm on the eligibility rule that no players may play for the All Blacks if they are based abroad unless they are granted a sabbatical by the governing body.
Earlier in the year Head Coach Scott Robertson reportedly looked to lure Mo'unga back to New Zealand.
Robertson on the Eligibility Rule
"The CEO covered that pretty clearly the other day with his answer, it is the current laws and it's what they are,” Robertson told SportsBoom.com.
The Springboks decided to move their Team Announcement from their normal schedule of Tuesday to Thursday after the All Blacks.
Image Credit: Dave Rowland/Getty Images
The Springboks have been unconventional in their team selections moving away from the 5/3 split to 6/2 and 7/1 forwards and backs split. Robertson was asked whether he had any thoughts in possibly tweaking the split of his bench and changes in strategy for victory against the Springboks
Robertson jokingly responded, "we were thinking 8/0 but it didn't last that long."
Last week we gave away our opportunities with 10 minutes to go, there were a bit of discipline issues and we just gave them too much opportunity in our 22. The game is won on small margins and that's Test footy [rugby]. We looked at our efforts and focused on where we can be better and obviously finishing matches.
Scott Robertson
Controversial Calls: Test 1
In the first test between the Springboks and All Blacks in Johannesburg, there were a few controversial calls like the Bongi Mbonambi try and the hit on Siya Kolisi.
In the post-match press conference following their defeat, Robertson was very mum on the controversial calls. He has expressed his views on officiating ahead of the 2nd Test in Cape Town.
"We are just hoping for consistency. Consistency in calls...that's all."
All Black Aura in Jeopardy?
The All Blacks in the last 20 minutes have been known to be dominant, especially in the McCaw era. The All Blacks as of late, have struggled to close down games in the last 20 minutes. New Zealand columnist Chris Rattue, writer for the Herald, believes the All Blacks have lost that intimidating presence once associated with the likes of McCaw and that the All Blacks have lost their swagger.
Robertson commented, "We obviously had a game on the weekend, we had an opportunity to win. That is the small snapshot of it. We got another opportunity this weekend."
All Blacks Fans in Cape Town
The All Blacks have been bombarded by the fans from arrival in Cape Town. Cape Town has a deep historic fan base for New Zealand teams dating back to the Apartheid days.
We had plenty of supporters outside the hotel, they love a selfie and an autograph. They know the players just as better as they do at home. There are a lot of passionate supporters here and we look forward to playing in front of them.
Scott Robertson
Sititi Starts at Blindside Flank
Sititi, who plays his trade for the Chiefs in the Super Rugby gets an opportunity to start against the Springboks. First time traveling to South Africa.
"I'm definitely excited to play, it is my first start as well. I'm looking forward to seeing how I go. I normally play 8 for Chiefs and now moving to the blindside, it is a big change but hopefully on the weekend I get it right and get the reps in. I will hopefully bring the physicality this weekend and bring it to the Springboks,” said Sititi.
Expectations from the Springboks
Jordie Barrett shared his expectations from the Springboks team after their nail biting win last weekend. The Springboks have an opportunity to regain the Freedom Cup if they beat the All Blacks, a cup they last won in 2009.
"We expect nothing different from what they put out in the last encounter. The last 6-8 years, they have been ultra consistent. Their form doesn't really waiver from week-to-week and sometimes their selection does but they have a lot of depth in their squad. We could expect the same team or team that has changed, that is what Rassie [Rassie Erasmus] is about. Whoever he puts out there seems to be doing the job, so it's going to be a big challenge in Cape Town this weekend,” said Barrett.
Nathan has over a decade of knowledge and experience, both as a former professional sportsperson and journalist. Nathan, a former radio sports presenter and producer is an award-winning community radio sports producer/presenter.