Selection panel faces tough decisions after stellar July performances

Coaches

All Blacks coach Scott Robertson said the selectors would meet on Wednesday and Thursday to choose the 36-man side.

"There are some great conversations to be had with some great performances [in the first three Tests]."

The side will meet again in Upper Hutt before the first Test against Argentina.

Robertson said that across the first three Tests, all 32 players selected received game time, and against Fiji, the six debutants all performed well.

"We're proud of what all the players did last week to make sure they [the debutants] had a successful start, and all the debutants did their core roles well.

"They made an impact when they were needed off the bench."

He said their finishing against Fiji could have been better, and across the series, the kickoff contests and finishing were areas they needed to work on.

Fiji was the physical opponent expected, but All Blacks still produced some fine cameos.

"There was a lot of big contacts, and there was high intensity. It makes the selection [for the Rugby Championship] more interesting."

Among those getting a chance, centre Billy Proctor and wing Caleb Clarke performed well on the ball and defensively for much of the game.


"Billy's got a great ability to hit the ball, great running lines. He's a quality defender and sets up his outsides beautifully. So, he had a great debut.

"A Caleb is a genuine finisher. He knows his way over the line, and has great aerial skills and he's getting better defensively all the time."

With a break after his first three Tests at the coaching helm, Robertson said it had been a busy month. A lot had been achieved, and the performance on the field reflected that.

"We're pleased to keep Fiji to five points, not many teams can keep them down to one try."

Another area to work on is the number of tries scored against them from kicks, but the care shown by the side's defence was incredible.

"We've learned a lot, quickly and we can be better. That's the exciting thing."

The side was evolving. They were aware of opportunities not taken against England in the first Test, and they made sure they took positives into the second Test to take advantage when in the correct positions.

Robertson said the first five-eighths Damian McKenzie owned the 10 jersey, owned the team, asked and demanded more of others, and kicked well. 

"He can grow as we all can, but he's started to own that duty, and that's what we've asked him."

And his combination with fullback Beauden Barrett worked well.

LATEST NEWS

View all