'They let us know what they think': All Blacks still feeling the pain
SPOTLIGHT: The All Blacks are eager to channel the pain from their record defeat to the Springboks in the right direction as they gear up for their showdown against the Wallabies.
There will be a huge spotlight on Eden Park this weekend as fans and critics await a big response from Scott Robertson’s side after they went down 10-43 to the Springboks in their last Rugby Championship encounter.
Robertson admitted that he has been reflecting a lot on his own contribution in the camp and then the coaching group, the management group and the players group.
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“My job is to lead this team, so I’d probably think more about them than myself,” Robertson told NZ media ahead of the Wallaby clash.
“There are a lot of shareholders in our country that we serve. They let us know what they think, and so they should.
“We’ve talked about that. Our job is to serve our people, and that’s always been our focus, so now we can do it again on Saturday.
“We know how important the Bledisloe Cup is to both teams, and a lot of ex-All Blacks have given us an opportunity through their performances, and now it’s our opportunity to show how much it means to us.”
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Judging by Robertson’s words, there is a fire in his players’ bellies as they go in search of redemption.
“You don’t want to be stung or use that fuel to fill your disciplines, and your love for the game, and your performance. But we’ll use it,” Robertson said.
He added: “The ultimate in any sporting team is to be consistent, and that’s what you look for.
“We have played some great rugby in the majority of games, but not enough.”
There will be plenty of key battles on the field against the Wallabies, and winning those could ultimately help New Zealand win the war.
“We’ve got a team, a balanced team that over the last 18 months, a lot of guys have come in and learning Test footy, trying to build combinations and when you’re under pressure, perform,” the All Black coach explained.
“So, it’s a balancing act and one we’ve got to get right.”
Source: @AllBlacks
