3. Sevu Reece marked All Blacks return with a try – Robertson delighted to have him
A major return for the All Blacks took place last night, as New Zealand fans welcomed back Sevu Reece to the Test match stage. This match was Reece’s first in the black jersey for over a year, and the Crusader marked his return in fine form, as he crossed over for an impressive try in the first half. Robertson was delighted to have his former Crusaders flyer available within the international set-up, and was full of praise for the wing.
SCOTT ROBERTSON: “He was awesome, wasn’t he? He was energetic and did some great things. Defensively, he was outstanding and his work off the ball. Really pleased for him, couldn’t even of played better, come back from injury like that and play at that level after normally takes a while, but he’s been up there the whole season. So very pleased for him.”
4. England’s rush defence is likened to the Springboks with Robertson backing the blitz
There is no denying that former Springboks coach Felix Jones, has revolutionised the way that England are defending. The blitz defence has been a solid success since it’s incorporation into Borthwick’s squad, with Jones accredited for getting the best out of gain-line flyers Chandler Cunningham-South, Sam Underhill and Ben Earl. Scott Robertson believes that England’s defence resembles that of the Springboks, and was also impressed by their tenacity with the high ball.
“You know, there’s only a few teams in the world that quick, you know, with South Africa probably being the other. Just a genuine (speed) then on the second, third pass and they are outside you, and ‘we’ll go get you’ if you get ball in the air.
“We had some opportunities (to exploit the blitz defence), you know, but we just didn’t quite finish enough in the first half to get a couple of scores, so they had to chase the game. When it was close you know, TJ (Perenara) got injured and then obviously that started the second half. We got into a grind and just found a way.”
5. “Earn it at Eden Park” – No Guaranteed Wins for the All Blacks in their 30-Year Fortress
England and the All Blacks will reconvene at Eden Park next Saturday, with the fabled fortress of New Zealand rugby set to have its structural integrity tested. The All Blacks have not lost at Eden Park for 30 years, however, Scott Robertson highlighted that the win is by no means guaranteed when his side takes on England in the Auckland amphitheater.
SCOTT ROBERTSON: “I think we just first thing, is that we’re going to respect Eden Park, for what it’s given us over the years, because we’ve prepared well and tonight is a real clear reminder what Tests footy is. But you’ve still got to earn it at Eden Park, and we’ll be focused on it this week the history.”