Scott Robertson: ‘Surprised by Rassie? I think that’s the first thing, you don’t get surprised’

Scott Robertson says that nothing Rassie Erasmus does surprises him anymore after the Springboks boss’ bold selection calls for the All Blacks rematch.

The visitors have decided to overhaul their backline for the next match in Wellington after going down 24-17 at Eden Park last weekend.

Erasmus has made six changes – five personnel and one positional – behind the scrum as they look to find the potency that will unlock the All Blacks defence.

Brave Robertson

Robertson himself has made some big decisions, including dropping Rieko Ioane and handing a debut to Leroy Carter, but it pales in comparison to the Boks leader.

“Surprised by Rassie? I think that’s the first thing, you don’t get surprised by him. You wait to see what comes out and you know he’s picked that team to win it,” New Zealand’s head coach said.

“They’ve picked those teams for their strengths, so we’re aware of their strengths and then you go back to your own; what’s required for us to win this Test match. There’s a little bit of method behind it all.”

After picking a more experienced backline in Auckland, which looked to dominate via the boot and in the air, the selection for Wellington suggests that the Springboks will seek to play wider on Saturday.

“The skill set’s changed obviously. There’s probably a bit more balance to their game, they can keep the ball in hand and trust the speed and athletes that they’ve picked. You prepare for both,” Robertson said.

The All Blacks managed to keep their Eden Park record intact, extending their run to 51 unbeaten matches, but Robertson insists that this weekend’s clash is just as important, if not more so.

New Zealand have struggled in Wellington over the past few years and have not beaten the Boks in the capital since 2014.

Springboks record in New Zealand capital

“South Africa’s unbeaten the last two times we’ve played here so that’s another record you’ve got to be mindful of. Our preparation and our focus has been on getting back to the capital and keeping our form,” Robertson said.

“We’ve got to improve, we know that. With these double-headers you’ve got to improve week-to-week, we’ve learnt that just recently, so our focus has been on putting on a performance we’re proud of here.”

Robertson is wary of his side making the same mistakes they did in the loss to Argentina in Buenos Aires.

The All Blacks claimed a comfortable 41-24 triumph in Cordoba in the opening round of the Rugby Championship, but they could not go back-to-back.

“It’s pretty unique playing teams back-to-back, it doesn’t really happen that often, especially in Test rugby,” he added.

“We’re pretty clear on remembering what we learnt and the conversations between coaches, leaders and all management, and what’s required to not just back the performance up but be better.”