The weight of expectation, the thrill of victory – welcome to the high-stakes world of rugby! Scott Robertson, the current coach of the All Blacks, knows this pressure all too well. He's tasked with turning the intense pressure of coaching into pure joy as his team aims for a Grand Slam tour.
England v New Zealand: A Clash of Titans
This weekend, the stage is set at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, for a classic showdown: England versus New Zealand. The date is Saturday, November 15th, with a kick-off at 15:10 GMT. You can catch all the action live on BBC Radio 5 Live and the BBC Sport website and app.
Robertson's tenure as All Blacks coach hasn't been without its challenges. While the team has celebrated 19 wins and suffered 6 defeats in 25 matches, they are now in London, eyeing their first clean sweep of the home nations since 2010.
The All Blacks have already shown their mettle, battling past Ireland in Chicago and withstanding a Scottish comeback in Edinburgh. Now, they face a resurgent England, unbeaten in nine games and hungry for their first home victory against New Zealand since 2012.
"It's at the so-called home of rugby, with a full house and an expectant English team," Robertson shared in the Rugby Union Weekly podcast. "We want a Grand Slam; they want to take our scalp. How good is footy? This is why I'm doing the job and that's where the enjoyment starts. There is a fine balance - you feel like you are never satisfied, but you love it."
A Team in Transition
The All Blacks are in a period of transition, with several legendary players retiring since the 2023 Rugby World Cup. While they've had impressive wins, such as against South Africa at Eden Park, a record defeat by the Springboks and two losses to Argentina have somewhat dampened the enthusiasm of the New Zealand rugby public.
Robertson acknowledges the mixed results, stating, "In its entirety we've had some great results and we've fought back from some great adversity. We've played some really good footy and exposed 20 debutants over the past two years. We've got a lot of guys who have stepped up and we feel we have a good foundation."
Despite the transition, the All Blacks remain a formidable force, currently ranked number two in the world. They boast a roster of superstars, including backrowers Ardie Savea and Wallace Sititi, alongside generational talents like Beauden Barrett and Will Jordan.
Robertson emphasizes the team's determination to make the most of this rare opportunity to play all four home nations in consecutive weekends. "You have 13 Test matches in a year, and every week [is huge]. You beat the All Blacks and you've had a great year. So every team [wants the scalp]. So you have got to embrace it. How do you take all that expectation and turn it into joy? That's the art of coaching."
The Final Quarter: Where Games are Won
Last year, Robertson's New Zealand faced Steve Borthwick's England three times, and in each match, England led after an hour, only for the All Blacks to seize control in the final quarter. The recent matches against Ireland and Scotland followed a similar pattern.
Borthwick is preparing his team to address these issues, setting the stage for a nail-biting finish at Allianz Stadium.
Robertson emphasizes the importance of trust and perseverance in those crucial final minutes. "The first thing is you have to trust yourself and keep playing. That is the key, and that's what we have done, and I'm sure that is what England are focusing on as well. Who is going to put their hand up, and who is going to take that moment? As a player you need to make sure you revel in those moments. It is your time now, this is the week and you have to make the most of it."
What do you think? Will the All Blacks continue their dominance, or will England finally secure a home victory against their long-standing rivals? Share your predictions and thoughts in the comments below!
