Scott Robertson says the call to drop All Blacks stars Beauden Barrett and TJ Perenara to the bench wasn’t easy but necessary to catch the Springboks napping on Saturday, reports DEVIN HERMANUS.
Robertson has made a statement ahead of the blockbuster clash between South Africa and New Zealand at Cape Town Stadium by relegating World Cup-winning veterans Barrett and Perenara to the wood.
The All Blacks are also without loose forward Ethan Blackadder and winger Caleb Clarke due to hamstring and back injuries, respectively.
Robertson’s decision to inject fresh blood into the lineup has raised eyebrows, but with four changes to the starting XV and a bench stacked with experience, the All Blacks’ strategy this week is clear: finish strong.
With 214 Tests between them, Barrett and Perenara provide vital game management experience, which Robertson insists it’s all part of a well-considered plan.
“We’ve looked at it and realised that it’s important to have experience at the end of games,” Robertson told reporters after Thursday’s team announcement in Cape Town. “It’s a great couple of names to put on there with a lot of Tests.”
TEAM: Siya cleared to tackle All Blacks
“It was a tough conversation,” Robertson admitted. “They know the All Black jersey is important to all of us… It’s how we finish the match that’s the key.”
The duo’s wealth of knowledge could prove pivotal, particularly in the final 20. “You’ve got to be really respectful in those conversations… they want to start and want to be out there for the majority of the match,” Robertson said, before adding with a grin, “We were thinking 8-0 [on the bench], but [that idea] didn’t last too long!”
Robertson has reworked the back three to include Will Jordan at fullback, while Sevu Reece and Mark Tele’a start on the wings.
“Will Jordan is fit and able and trained really well… He’s played a lot of rugby with Sevu and Mark before,” said the All Blacks coach.
Five-Test scrumhalf Cortez Ratima gets his second start. Robertson praised 23-year-old: “He’s quick, he’s got a great pass, and is intuitive. He gets himself in great support roles, does all the basics really well and is a great competitor.”
One of the most intriguing selections is Wallace Sititi, who will step in for the injured Blackadder at blindside flanker. With only two caps to his name, Sititi will be making his first start.
Robertson, though, is confident in the 21-year-old’s abilities: “He’s a helluva athlete… a great defender with a good skill set, and we believe with Ethan’s injury, it’s his time.”
Photo: Hannah Peters/Getty Images
The post Razor: Beauden, TJ give us edge over Boks appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Src: sarugbymag.co.za
