All Blacks v South Africa: Former Springbok backs Scott Robertson to become modern coaching great
It has been a less than perfect start to life as All Blacks coach for Scott Robertson, but a former Springbok backs the most successful Super Rugby coach in history to continue that pedigree in the test arena.
Five tests into his tenure holding what is described as the most difficult job in New Zealand, Robertson’s All Blacks edged a tense two-match series with England, dispatched Fiji in San Diego but were stunned in Wellington by Argentina before trouncing Los Pumas in the return fixture at Eden Park.
On the face of it, four wins from five is far from a poor record, but it has been the unconvincing nature of the men in black’s performances that have raised questions from fans and media as to when the All Blacks will finally click under Robertson.
Flashes of that click were shown at Eden Park against Argentina and 42-test Springbok Bob Skinstad told Gold Sport he backs Robertson to deliver on the promise shown at Super Rugby level as he coached the Crusaders to seven successive titles.
“I think Scott is a fantastic coach. He’s proved that domestically, he’s really been a shining light in terms of how to attack a role and I think he’s going to be one of the modern day great coaches.”
The test on Sunday morning (NZT) will be the first time the All Blacks and Springboks have met since the 2023 Rugby World Cup final, with the New Zealand side in particular missing some notable and experienced names from the team that took the field at Stade de France.
