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What a Scott Robertson-coached All Blacks lineup might look like
By Sam Smith
The question on everyone's lips in New Zealand is when is Scott Robertson taking over the All Blacks? But the real question should be, what changes would he make if he was in charge?
The Crusaders head coach has won six Super Rugby titles in the six years he has been in charge of the Christchurch-based side, so you would expect a large contingent of his players would be included in his All Blacks team.
Here's what a potential Scott Robertson-coached All Blacks lineup might look like with Razor calling the shots.
1. George Bower
The Crusaders loosehead prop was already an All Black starter against Ireland, taking over the starting role from the injured Joe Moody. He would be expected to keep his place in the front row.
2. Samisoni Taukei'aho
You'd expect Codie Taylor to get the job at hooker, but after a faltering lineout in the third test, Robertson shouldn't resist the power of blockbusting Chiefs rake Samisoni Taukei'aho to added some much needed impact to the carry game.
3. Ofa Tu'ungafasi
After Nepo Laulala's performance in the third test, the more experienced tighthead Ofa Tu'ungafasi would likely get his starting job back.
4. Tupou Vaa'i
Although the Retallick-Whitelock combo has been in play for a long time, all good things come to an end. With Whitelock being so critical to running the All Blacks lineout, Retallick falls out of the side for the young Chiefs lock Tupou Vaa'i.
5. Sam Whitelock
The All Blacks and Crusaders veteran gets the nod to pack down in the second row and keep New Zealand's lineout humming.
6. Scott Barrett (c)
Unfortunately ruled out of the final test, Barrett replenishes the role at blindside, offering an extra jumping option for the All Blacks pack. One of the form players in Super Rugby under Robertson, leading the Crusaders to this year's title, the best Barrett brother would be expected to make waves under Razor's coaching and would wear the captain's badge with an eye on the future.
7. Ardie Savea
Perhaps the biggest selection move is at No 7, where Ardie Savea takes over from Sam Cane. When Savea is on the hunt, he brings some sorely needed poaching ability to the All Blacks defence.
8. Cullen Grace
Robertson quipped during the Super Rugby Pacific playoffs that Cullen Grace was "playing like an All Black", so the one-test No 8 would surely see a recall if Robertson took charge of the All Blacks. Grace would be handed the role at the back of the scrum to become the next Kieran Read.
9. Aaron Smith
With probably a couple more seasons of Aaron Smith's career left, Robertson would probably back the centurion to do the job at halfback.
10. Richie Mo'unga
Richie Mo, aka Mr Super Rugby, gets another shot to prove his test rugby credentials with the backing of Robertson to run the All Blacks backline like a point guard.
11. Rieko Ioane
The whole Ioane-at-centre thing would be thrown in the can under Robertson as the Blues weapon reprises his role on the left wing, where he won his World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year award in 2017.
12. Jordie Barrett
Yes, Jordie is back at 12. But wait, there's more. The one-time Canterbury second-five is back in the saddle with his Lincoln Uni teammate Jack Goodhue. A NPC-winning midfield combination under Robertson, Barrett's potential would be unleashed at second-five as absolutely drills his opposition into the turf with his massive shoulder.
13. Jack Goodhue
Goodhue returns to the 13 jersey to bring some distribution back into the midfield. The Crusader brings his offloading game into the mix to ignite the All Blacks attack.
14. Sevu Reece
The Crusaders right wing is no stranger to scoring tries on the end of Robertson's backline. Reece keeps the 14 jersey and continues his hot scoring form.
15. Will Jordan
Possibly the best rugby player in New Zealand, the explosive Will Jordan gets a chance at the back in the 15 jersey. A tall man, he is just as safe under the high ball.
Reserves
16. Codie Taylor
17. Ethan De Groot
18. Tamaiti Williams
19. Quintin Strange
20. Shannon Frizell / Hoskins Sotutu / Akira Ioane
21. Folau Fakatava
22. Beauden Barrett
23. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck
Let us know your preferred lineup in the comments below.
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Latest Comments
It certainly needs to be cherished. Despite Nick (and you) highlighting their usefulness for teams like Australia (and obviously those in France they find form with) I (mention it general in those articles) say that I fear the game is just not setup in Aus and NZ to appreciate nor maximise their strengths. The French game should continue to be the destination of the biggest and most gifted athletes but it might improve elsewhere too.
I just have an idea it needs a whole team focus to make work. I also have an idea what the opposite applies with players in general. I feel like French backs and halves can be very small and quick, were as here everyone is made to fit in a model physique. Louis was some 10 and 20 kg smaller that his opposition and we just do not have that time of player in our game anymore. I'm dying out for a fast wing to appear on the All Blacks radar.
But I, and my thoughts on body size in particular, could be part of the same indoctrination that goes on with player physiques by the establishment in my parts (country).
Go to commentsHis best years were 2018 and he wasn't good enough to win the World Cup in 2023! (Although he was voted as the best player in the world in 2023)
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