French Media Praise Robertson’s 'Tough and Practical' Approach
All BlacksNovember 12, 2024
French observations of the All Blacks during their 2024 season are that while the New Zealanders might have fewer X-factor players, they are playing more in combination with more confidence in utilising the game's fundamentals.
The rugby newspaper Midi Olympique said rather than being impressive as a result of dazzling play and offloads from players who can make a difference, New Zealand was playing a much more basic game.
One writer said, "Today, the All Blacks are practical, not spectacular. In the last two games, I've seen them make unusual mistakes. But they have raised their level of commitment. That shows in the rucks, in the counter-rucks and in defence.
"They are much tougher. Against England and Ireland we didn't enjoy the games we saw. But the New Zealanders stifled both teams."
The style being played reflected the personality of coach Scott Robertson.
"He was a tough, rustic, solid player and I believe he has told his players they have to fight for everything. Against Ireland they managed to force the Irish to concede penalties, and they capitalised with 18 points from Damian McKenzie's boot."
He said the All Blacks retained their unpredictability, which was shown when they scored their try against Ireland.
"They started the match with [Cortez] Ratima at halfback, but he had trouble with the Irish defence at the breakdown.
"The All Blacks are like all teams: as soon as they lose the speed of release in the rucks, they lose time in their ability to find space.
"His [Ratima's] replacement [Cameron] Roigard brought this speed, and that's how the All Blacks scored their magnificent try on turnover ball."
Loose forward Wallace Sititi also made an impression on observers.
"He's a butcher. He was outstanding against England. He won all the collisions and showed he could also be effective with the ball in hand. We saw him a little less against Ireland simply because he had set the bar so high against England that it was difficult for him to do better.
"We saw less of Ardie Savea, except that he too was scrapping hard for ball."
While the All Blacks made more mistakes than usual, they put them aside and won both games because they could stay in the contest.
France coach Fabien Galthie said after the 52-12 win over Japan at the weekend that after not having been together before their two weeks of preparation, the game had been a leap into the unknown. Japan's speed of game tested the French fitness.
"Against the All Blacks, we will have to improve our performance. It is their sixth month of competition, their 14th game of the season. They are doing very well.
"They are at the top of their rugby and finishing the season strongly. They are a complete team. We believe they are building, and they are coming back to Paris where, a year ago, they were in the World Cup final. They know where they are going."
