Robertson’s Response: All Blacks Target Redemption in Eden Park Showdown

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Sitting on top of the Championship ladder with two rounds to play, the Australians have shown their persistence in performances this season.

All Blacks coach Scott Robertson, smarting from a record Test loss at the hands of the Springboks in their last outing, said the Wallabies understand their brand and how they play, and they are in the game for 80 minutes. 

"They've got a great squad and are well coached."

The All Blacks will be bolstered by the return of key players from injury with halfbacks Cam Roigard and Cortez Ratima, lock Patrick Tuipulotu and hooker Codie Taylor all available again.

Robertson said the All Blacks have been stung by their second-half performance against South Africa in Wellington. They have discussed and reviewed it, and been as honest as possible.

"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."

They have looked at their issues of consistency from a position of refining structures, leadership, timing, players coming onto the field and execution of what is required in key moments.

"The ultimate in any sporting teams 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."

The focus was how they can win those key moments.


"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. So, it's a balancing act and one we've got to get right."

Part of that process is re-establishing the power of the scrum and the performance of the lineout.

"It's not a big swing, it's little details you need to get right. A couple of props are a little more match fit now, and scrum fit as well, which is huge for us and what our focus is on, without wanting to get too broad on it, is how we can be better.

"We know we've got a good scrum and lineout, it's a combination of the two and getting those right in pressure moments."

He is confident the team is on the right track.

"It's the execution in key moments. We have got to execute those opportunities that we create, and be disciplined for longer.

"That's what we've discussed and we will be accountable for it."

Robertson said his first step after a loss like that against South Africa is reflecting on his contribution, then the coaching group, the management group and the players group.

"My job is to lead this team, so I'd probably think more about them than myself. 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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