Rugby: All Blacks coact Scott Robertson lauds ‘a lot of positive stories’ in tight win over France
Despite the result being a lot closer than many thought, All Black coach Scott Robertson is pleased with what he saw in the first test of the year. His side triumphed 31-27 over a brave but understrength French team that pushed the All Blacks all the way to the full time whistle.
“It was a hell of a test match,” said Robertson after the highly entertaining game in front of a capacity Forsyth Barr Stadium crowd.
“We knew any French team that’s going to play a game on tour that’s been written off is going to put up a scrap, fight for everything. They didn’t go away.”
The All Blacks had three tries disallowed by the officials, including one that denied Will Jordan scoring a hat trick.
Will Jordan scores a try.
Photo: Marty Melville / www.photosport.nz
“We could’ve probably tried to get a couple scores, two scores ahead, so they had to play a little bit more. Percentages and stuff, and territory and possession were in our hands. We just didn’t quite finish enough to put pressure on them, so they had to play, not kick,” said Robertson.
Four players – Fabian Holland, Christin Lio-Willie, Du’Plessis Kirifi and Ollie Norris – all made their test debuts and Robertson was happy with what the quartet brought to the table.
“I was really pleased for them, all them all stepped up and made an impact. Fabian went the whole 80…we had a couple of big moments,” said Robertson, who quipped that his new lock could’ve “gone for 100 I reckon, he’s a big man with a big engine.”
Jordie Barrett Théo Attissogbe challenge for the ball.
Photo: Marty Melville / www.photosport.nz
One of the downsides of the win was a head injury to Sevu Reece, with Robertson confirming that the wing will be out of action for at least a week after a failed HIA. Reece collided with the hip of French first five Joris Segonds after only two minutes, bringing on Damian McKenzie and reshuffling the backline.
“Will ([ordan]’s played a lot of rugby on the wing and [McKenzie]’s played a lot of footy too. So the coverage of the backfield was a little bit different…it changed a bit of stuff we were looking at, but the experience came on.”
Robertson praised the All Black set piece and discipline, and it’s hard not to agree with him as the forwards won all 20 of their lineouts and conceded only three penalties. Tackle accuracy was at 94 percent, and they carried the ball twice as often as the French.
Add all that up though, and the main takeaway is that the margin of victory probably should’ve been higher.
“We just didn’t quite finish enough to put pressure on them,” Robertson admitted.
“Playing fast created so much, we just didn’t finish them off…(but) we stayed brave, which was the key. You know that second half was a pretty impressive performance, minus a couple of finishing tries.”
In all fairness, the main point of discussion should be the effort of Fabien Galthié’s French third stringers. They came within a try of extending their win streak over the All Blacks to four matches, and showcased some impressive talent at both ends of the experience spectrum. Captain Gaël Fickou was prominent in the midfield, while number eight Mickael Guillard was immense on both sides of the ball.
It said a lot that the All Blacks opted to kick a penalty with seven minutes to play and effectively back their defence to close the game out, though.
“The French were pretty ruthless. They had a high conversion rate and knock on the front door and keep coming. They’re pretty powerful, so I was pleased that the defence got us the result.”