"We've Got the Structure, Now We Finish": Robertson on Northern Tour
Coach Scott Robertson has laid out his expectations for the All Blacks' five-Test northern hemisphere, starting Saturday week against Japan in Yokohama.
Playing good rugby by getting the energy and mindset in the right place will be the first demand.
"We've done a lot of work getting our structure right."
Now, it is a case of finishing the opportunities they can create.
"There's lots of competition in every position, which we're excited for."
However, players and combinations would be aimed at the teams ahead of them.
"There'll be a little bit of a different look in the Japan game before we play England."
Injuries suffered by three loose forwards have resulted in changes to the side. Luke Jacobson broke his thumb and is expected to miss the tour, while Ethan Blackadder (calf) and Dalton Papali'i (upper hamstring) may have a chance to join the tour later.
Robertson said the loose forwards play in a highly attritional position, and he was disappointed for them.
"They've gone back and played some good footy for their province.
"They'll stay behind, get as much conditioning as they possibly can, and then once they're match ready, we'll make a call if they come up or not."
Their injuries made veteran Sam Cane's inclusion on the tour all the more critical.
"He was playing good footy and he knows his way around the north, he's done it a few times. It's good that he can be a part of us."
Peter Lakai and Josh Lord have been called in as replacements. Hoskins Sotutu was also to join them, but an injured knee ruled him out, and he may need surgery. Another loose forward will be considered in the next two weeks.
"It's great to have Josh Lord come, he played incredibly well for Taranaki. Peter Lakai can play all three [loose forward] positions and is a hell of a seven or eight. He's a young kid that has taken all the opportunities, he's playing great NPC, had a great Super Rugby with high minutes."
Since the completion of the Lipovitan D Rugby Championship, Robertson said all members of the squad had been able to freshen up and get excited about heading to Japan and preparing for the challenge faced against England, Ireland and France. He added that Italy could not be overlooked either, as they had made steps in their game and had pushed all the other teams in the Six Nations.
"There are potential banana skins on either side [of the three big games]. Japan will challenge you in different ways, too.
"We've had time to prepare. When you're on tour, it does some great things. You can get tight and get a collective buy-in, and that's what we're looking forward to."
Halfback Cam Roigard has impressed Robertson since his return in the last two weeks of the Bunnings NPC.
"The knee's good and his decision-making has been really good. He needs footy. It's just time on the field, hands on the ball and the instinct kicks in, and you're starting to see it."
Robertson said his ability to deal with quick ball and his kicking was complementary to other kickers in the side.
Seven members of the All Blacks XV are joining those members of the All Blacks in Japan as training cover. They are Bradley Slater, George Bower, Fabian Holland, Christian Lio-Willie, Oliver Haig, Harry Plummer and AJ Lam.