It seems as though Scott Robertson believed that in order to fix the All Blacks, he had to first break them. I hope so, anyway.
It’s always better to believe that there’s a reason behind the seeming insanity. As I reflect on the team’s 2024 campaign, I believe the new head coach gave the players the freedom to play however they pleased. You go play rugby because you believe in it, guys.
Prior to the disastrous 31-28 victory over Australia in Sydney, they suffered defeats to Argentina and South Africa twice. That’s when it seems the players realised their strategy didn’t work and let Robertson mould the All Blacks into his all-conquering Crusaders teams. That’s what I hope occurred again. Alternatively, Robertson tore up the previous game plan after seeing that he and the team were at risk of being ridiculed. After all, self-preservation is a strong force.
In any case, the All Blacks played admirably after that and ended the season in a far better form than they had begun. As the 2024 season draws to a close, it seems fitting to take a moment to analyse the test season and identify its highlights and weaknesses.
The forward pack: Both individually and collectively, I can’t say enough good things about these men. For example, they didn’t deserve to lose to the Springboks, and they will have felt disappointed by the backline when they sat in the dressing room following both games. By the end of the season, the set pieces were mostly of a high calibre, the ball running and passing were very efficient, and the tight five’s efforts allowed the loose forwards to show off. Although the 2024 squad brought some pride back to the jersey, All Blacks packs have been subjected to considerable bullying in recent years.
Ardie Savea is the player of the year. However, it might have been Tupou Vaa’i, Tyrel Lomax, or Wallace Sititi. Honourable mentions should go to Tamaiti Williams, Codie Taylor, and Sam Cane. After playing brilliantly against South Africa, Ethan Backadder was unable to return to the pitch.
I wouldn’t discuss many backs in the same breath as these blokes. The backs: Cortez Ratima is undoubtedly a valuable asset, while Cam Roigard appears to be a unique player. Although he isn’t quite ready, he has the makings of a talented player. Will Jordan shouldn’t ever be forced back to the wing, such is the influence he can have from fullback. Although the mid-season shift in approach was so noticeable that even Damian McKenzie couldn’t hide it when he started against Ireland, I still think the first five-eighth is a bit concerning.
The team should succeed as long as the player at number ten continues to serve as a facilitator rather than the only offensive option. Problem area: The midfield has to be adjusted. Rieko Ioane and Jordie Barrett are not a combination. When given the chance, these two people strive to carry themselves aggressively, but they don’t produce much and give others little opportunity. Although it’s still unclear to me, someone clearly sees some benefit in having Anton Lienert-Brown complete games. Caleb Clarke needs a lot more ball, although he does have a few good gallops per game. Unfortunately, too many good balls die the moment they come into contact with Ioane’s hands.
Sam Cane: Cane is not a great All Black, but I would describe him as a fine one. Overall, being captain gave people a chance to criticise him and was more of a curse than a benefit. As captain, Cane provided the fans with a way to vent their resentment towards the squad. He conducted himself with grace and respect throughout. I didn’t think Cane deserved a farewell at this point in the Rugby World Cup cycle, and I didn’t see the point of Robertson picking him this year. Nevertheless, Cane was consistently outstanding in 2024, and I can’t recall ever the rugby public had more respect for him than they do now.
You wouldn’t accuse Cane of being a resentful former captain, but some people are. He should be pleased with his performance and demeanour, both this year and throughout his career.
