Boks might be the blueprint to winning World Cups says Razor
SPOTLIGHT: The All Blacks under new coach Scott Robertson may have to change everything and follow South Africa’s approach in order to win a World Cup again.
South Africa claimed a fourth men’s World Cup title after defeating the All Blacks 12-11 in the final last year after goal kicking misses left points on the pitch in a tight affair.
Robertson spoke to Sky Sport NZ’s The Breakdown about his view on whether the All Blacks have to change and become like the Springboks in order to win World Cups again.
“Test football is a game of strength, the World Cup is a game of finals and strengths,” Robertson said.
“That’s what they [Springboks] play too. They are a great defensive side, great kicking side, great set-piece side, and they kick the goals to win.
“The majority of major events with ‘kicking’ involved, finish with a kick to win it. Soccer, [American] football, rugby, league, the critical ones are won from the foot.
“And they won it off the foot. They made the kicks. Incredibly tight margins at that level, they went back to what they were good at, and that’s the shape of the game.
“The big part for me this year is to win and evolve, so we can win in two to three different ways. That’s the key to bringing success over a four-year period.”
Robertson highlighted aspects like winning in wet conditions, winning away from home in different environments as key milestones to tick off, while embedding the “game management” understanding within the team.
He wants different defensive structures for the different opponents the All Blacks will face, which will likely take time to master.
Talking about the squad he inherited after having the chance to work with the players in January in camp, Robertson said it was a good balance of players in their late 20’s that have been there and one that.
“We know that every World Cup cycle you are going to lose, guys are going to move on, that’s part of it.
“We’ve got a great group that are still hungry. Haven’t quite got there but know and experienced it, care deeply about the All Blacks.
“There is a young group coming through that are ready to take that opportunity as well.”
Source @RugbyPass
