Source: Radio New Zealand
Scott Robertson has been left ruing a bad All Black habit that cost them in their 33-19 loss to England at Twickenham. Once again, his side found it difficult to score in the second half, as England racked up 25 unanswered points to take the game away for the eventual victory in front of 82,000 spectators.
“No, because if I did that wouldn’t happen,” said Robertson, half-jokingly, when asked about if he could put his finger on the All Blacks’ issues.
“We’ve tried a lot training and to educate ourselves as much as we possibly can around what it takes to keep the momentum, keep pressure on teams. Obviously hasn’t happened, so it’s a little bit frustrating.”
England’s Ollie Lawrence scores against the All Blacks. www.photosport.nz
The All Blacks looked to have taken control of the test in the first half thanks to tries to Leicester Fainga’anuku and Codie Taylor but were pegged back by adjustments to the English game plan and a man of the match performance by George Ford.
“The last couple of games we had finished quite well. But tonight we didn’t do that,” said Robertson.
“I think England were pretty efficient when they got into our half and creating and coming away with points. And they probably had a few more entries into our half. George Ford was pretty accurate with that drop goal and, keeping that scoreboard sort of ticking over. We actually had limited opportunities in that second half, and they probably kicked pretty well.”
George Ford of England celebrates victory over the All Blacks. www.photosport.nz
Taylor’s second half yellow card was costly for the All Blacks, however both Robertson and captain Scott Barrett had no issues with the call by the team of officials.
“I think it’s fair, it’s an impulse thing. I guess from a momentum point of view, it’s probably been underlying frustration that you just put the hand in the cookie jar,” said Barrett.
“Oh look, it’s cynical, isn’t it? And you’re trying to get it out of the game and (World Rugby) are going pretty hard, right? They want to sanction all those little plays…it cost us,” said Robertson.
Robertson confirmed that Cam Roigard had to leave the game with a low ankle strain, which he tried to run off without success after halftime.
“We had a few dings early in the piece and had to make changes that we trying to leave till the back end…but that’s footy.”
The All Blacks are expected to name a much-changed side for next weekend’s tour finale in Cardiff against Wales. The Welsh had dramatic, last minute 24-23 win over Japan at Principality Stadium, their first victory under new coach Steve Tandy as they seek to arrest a steep decline in form over the last few years.
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
