Scott Robertson reveals the Springboks-style ‘evolution’ that will benefit the All Blacks

All Blacks’ new head coach Scott Robertson admits that kicking is absolutely key to success and that it could influence his game plan going forward.

Their ability to score tries from anywhere has made New Zealand one of the game’s great entertainers, but it hasn’t helped them in the last two Rugby World Cups.

Set-piece, defense, and kicking were the cornerstones of South Africa’s winning strategies in the 2019 and 2023 global tournaments.

Handre Pollard scored four goals from four points off the tee in the October World Cup final, but the All Blacks lost the match 12–11 due to misses by Richie Mo’unga and Jordie Barrett.

Despite the fact that Robertson will undoubtedly not implement the Springboks’ model for his squad, the legendary Crusader knows how important it is to have a top-tier set-piece and goal-kicker.

The pillars of New Zealand’s success

When the New Zealanders were dominant, between 2011 and 2015, those were facets they excelled in thanks to having an incredible front five and the greatest fly-half ever in Dan Carter.

Their improvement in 2023 also directly coincided with the development of talented props Ethan de Groot and Tyrel Lomax, who gave them a solid platform to work from.

The All Blacks’ point of difference still lies in their ball in hand skills, but Robertson realises that there is more to international rugby than that.

“Test football is a game of strength, and then you’ve got the World Cup which is a game of finals and strengths, and that’s what they (Springboks) played to,” he told The Breakdown.

“They’re a great defensive side, a great kicking side, a great set-piece side and they kicked the goals to win.

“The majority of major events where kicking is involved finishes with a kick to win it, if it’s soccer, American rugby, football, and rugby league. There are important ones when they have won it without using their feet.

At that level, the margins are quite narrow. They returned to their strengths, and that is how the game is played.

For Robertson, the ability to adjust and win even when they aren’t playing their free-flowing style is crucial.

“You play bravely and alter the game at the same time. That might be what makes you strong. To succeed and advance, so that we can triumph in two or three different ways, is my main goal for this year,” he declared.

“Achieving success over a four-year period requires doing that.”

Key positions

This year, one of Robertson’s most important tasks will be to replace some of the iconic players who have left the team.

At lock, where Brodie Retallick and Sam Whitelock forged one of the greatest duos, and scrum-half, where Aaron Smith is currently out, are at the top of the list.

“We’ve discussed the locks. You will need to add one or two back in when you lose two. When Patrick (Tuipulotu) returns, he will still be there. He is victorious. He’s a fantastic player when he’s in peak form,” he continued.

“At half-back, Aaron Smith is not going to be replaced, so someone needs to step up and take the position. There are some talented players emerging for several teams.