Most nations around the world would be thrilled with conceding only three losses and finishing second in the world rankings. But the All Blacks operate under exacting standards, and the New Zealand rugby public’s craving for perfection means doubts still swirl around this current team.
Most nations around the world would be thrilled with conceding only three losses and finishing second in the world rankings. But the All Blacks operate under exacting standards, and the New Zealand rugby public’s craving for perfection means doubts still swirl around this current team.
Despite his success, Scott Robertson still has his critics. The All Blacks wrapped up their northern tour with a resounding win over Wales, but the Grand Slam slipped through their grasp after a comprehensive defeat to England.
Scott Robertson made it clear that his mission in 2025 was to build a “four-deep” mentality — establishing a depth chart with multiple reliable options for every position. Given the injury toll this year, it was a shrewd plan that served him well on the northern tour. By the end of the season, especially in the forwards, nearly 200 caps’ worth of experience was sitting on the sidelines.
But now Robertson needs to apply focus and precision to his selections and begin locking in combinations.
Across the past two years, 19 players have debuted under Robertson. His next challenge is identifying the core group who can adapt to the intensity and variety of the best teams in the world.
This season alone, the All Blacks used 45 players. While they are clearly trying to blood new talent, Robertson’s selections have often been conservative and the introduction of rookies has been gradual. The pressure on him has meant limited experimentation, which in turn has restricted rotation and reduced the minutes given to emerging players.
Looking ahead to the World Cup, it’s hard to see many bolters forcing their way into the squad unless they have an exceptional 2026.
It is the question that has plagued the All Blacks throughout this World Cup cycle: what is the best backline configuration to unlock their full potential?
It feels like they are no closer to answering it. Their attack has looked dangerous in patches this year, but given the calibre of talent available each week, it still feels underutilised. Whether the solution lies in tactical adjustments or greater consistency in how they want to play, the backline remains a work in progress.
Major question marks persist in the midfield, where Rieko Ioane’s progression has stalled. Will Jordan and Leicester Fainga’anuku have emerged as crucial weapons, but the pieces around them are yet to fully click.
The debate around Damian McKenzie’s role continues, especially with Robertson defaulting to Beauden Barrett as his first-choice playmaker. The picture becomes even murkier with Richie Mo’unga’s imminent return.
Robertson has not yet managed to squeeze the best out of the defensive talent he has assembled. Throughout the season, the All Blacks showed too many lapses in concentration, particularly in the midfield.
They conceded more than 20 points in seven Tests — and in each of their losses, defensive lapses were a major factor.
Their ability to score points quickly has often papered over cracks, but the reality remains: against top-tier sides, defensive softness gets punished.
For all the All Blacks’ attacking flair, Robertson needs to harden his team for the grind of Test-match rugby, the kind of contest their northern hemisphere rivals relish. Dominating collisions, bringing ferocity at the breakdown and maintaining high-intensity defensive pressure are areas that require significant improvement.
In a year where the global rugby calendar is being reshaped by the introduction of the Nations Championship and the “Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry” tour to South Africa, the All Black’s path toward the 2027 World Cup is starting to take shape.
Consistency will be the central goal. The rest of the rugby world has caught up to the once-indomitable All Blacks. Robertson’s time at the Crusaders proved he can build a championship-winning machine when given the talent and resources, but the challenge now is elevating the All Blacks to an entirely new level.
Innovation will be essential if they are to stay ahead of the chasing pack and match the awesome powerhouse South Africa has built.