I’m quite enthused about what Scott Robertson’s done.
Among the more consistent criticisms of his first year as All Blacks coach, was that it scarcely differed from what had come before.
Selections were much the same and results too. The All Blacks had their semi-annual loss to Argentina, couldn’t beat South Africa and didn’t seem to be playing a demonstrably better brand of footy.
Well, 2025 has started relatively positively before a ball’s even been kicked.
I’m thrilled to see Billy Proctor getting a game at centre, which will be good news for the man he’s replaced – Rieko Ioane – and Sevu Reece too.
This time Handre Pollard is back for real
This time Handre Pollard is back for real
Unlike Ioane, Proctor will pass the ball, which means both wings named to play France in Dunedin on Saturday, as well as fullback Will Jordan, might do more than just chase kicks.
The naming of Beauden Barrett at first five-eighth is a bonus on that front too.
Ioane, who made his name on the left wing but has become ensconced at centre, was shifted out to the flank during games last season. The only problem was the game plan solely revolved around the running game of then-10 Damian McKenzie, meaning Ioane saw no ball.
Proctor is basically a Test rugby novice. It’s dangerous to project too much about how good he could become or heap too much pressure upon him to deliver transformative results in the meantime.
However, Robertson has tinkered here. He’s rewarded form, rather than reputation and that augurs well.
If there was a surprise, albeit a pleasant one, in the 23 to start the season it was the naming of Tupou Vaa’i at blindside flanker.
Injuries have played a part in some of those named in the pack, but Vaa’i’s selection indicates a nod towards the Springboks.
Size matters and shifting Vaa’i to the flank from lock, while having Samipeni Finau to add heft from the bench, suggests the All Blacks are entertaining the idea of a power game.
You can’t be passive forever. You can’t look at South Africa’s forward riches and almost take the attitude that their size and depth is unfair. At some point you actually have to confront it.
Fabian Holland, at lock, is an indication of that as well. He’s a big man with a big future and it’s refreshing not to see him consigned to duty as training paddock cannon fodder for the first few months of his All Blacks career.
I probably wouldn’t have started Jordie Barrett at 12, given he’s not played rugby in this country for a while. But the man is a vice-captain in this team and was never in danger of being made to watch from the stands.
Head-to-Head
Last 5 Meetings
Average Points scored
All in all, it’s a decent 23 to start the year with. It won’t be the 23 that finishes the season – or even plays in Tests of greater significance than these games against France – but at least it shows Robertson has taken a bit more charge.
From this vantage, it appeared the coach put too much faith in the players last season. Those who had been there and done that didn’t really reward Robertson and the team’s progress was minimal.
Take Ioane, for instance. He’s been adequate – at best – as a centre. If he doesn’t fire on the wing, then it’s hard to see him having a future in this team.
The days of giving McKenzie the responsibility of running the team appear to be over and that’s a good thing. There’s no doubt he can still provide an attacking option off the bench but, assuming Richie Mo’unga returns to the fray at some point, McKenzie’s influence might further diminish.
It’s not easy to come in as a new coach and tip the apple cart over.
Robertson did that in increments last year, belatedly installing Beauden Barrett at first five-eighth and paring back the game plan. By season’s end you felt he was beginning to resemble a leader, rather than a facilitator.
In picking new caps and going away from the established orthodoxy, Robertson is creating the change fans have yearned for.
Irrespective of who is or isn’t in France’s touring party, there’s now an excitement to see what this All Black team can do.
It feels good to be looking forward to a Test match again.