The All Blacks team is gearing up to play against the Pumas at Eden Park this weekend. They will have a familiar face, a restructured midfield, and a forced change in the front row. There are concerns about the team’s direction and pace.
Coach Scott Robertson is cautious about overcoaching and emphasizes the importance of keeping coaching simple.
The statement indirectly links to Ian Foster’s turbulent regime, although it is not entirely unexpected. Coach Robertson believes it will be crucial in the latter part of the game.
After the 38-30 loss at Sky Stadium, the team has been focusing on the forward pack’s performance.
The area he struggled, and the prolonged time spent playing in their half. The All Blacks have dedicated time to improve their defence this week. The team emphasizes the collective effort required to maneuver out of their half.
There have been changes on both wings, with Caleb Clarke and Will Jordan coming in. Sevu Reece will be disappointed after being named man of the match in the season’s first test.
TJ Perenara will be under scrutiny after the Pumas effectively pressured the All Black halfback into making notable errors in Wellington.
The starting loose forwards remain unchanged, but they must step up against a fired-up Pumas trio led by Pablo Matera.
The Pumas captain is unfazed by Eden Park, having won a Super Rugby Pacific title with the Crusaders the last time he played there.
Robertson has not frequently faced intense media scrutiny after a loss, and it showed today. The coach’s body language often suggested he would leave instead of answering more questions.
If the All Blacks don’t start improving, he may get used to these circumstances, whether he likes it or not.
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