The All Blacks, once comfortable in their own skin, now seem to live in a growing shadow of doubt cast by a growing list of defeats, writes DEVIN HERMANUS.
When New Zealand arrived in the Mother City last week for the clash against the Springboks at Cape Town Stadium, the atmosphere surrounding the team was notably different from their previous visit in 2017. Back then, under the stewardship of Steve Hansen, the All Blacks exuded a sense of unshakeable confidence and irresistible charm in equal measure.
Sonny Bill Williams and Kieran Read, alongside a younger Damian McKenzie and Rieko Ioane, embraced the media with ease, appearing relaxed and accessible. The All Blacks’ demeanour reflected their stature as the world’s No 1 team. Press conferences were lighthearted, engaging, and often humorous, with Hansen’s dry wit disarming any tough questions from the media.
However, the 2024 version of the All Blacks under Robertson are a shadow of their former selves when engaging journalists. Press junkets were brief, stand-up affairs lacking the transparency that characterised their trip seven years ago.
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Robertson, usually known for his carefree and upbeat personality, was tense and terse, reflecting the pressure of his first Test series against the Boks. His interactions, alongside skipper Scott Barrett and vice-captain Jordie Barrett, were far more guarded and cautious, with the All Blacks seemingly wary of any potential antagonistic questions, despite the lack of any real media hostility.
While the All Blacks still enjoyed strong support from Cape Town fans – evidenced by the crowd that greeted them at the Cape Town International Airport – their media appearances lacked the spark that made them so popular in the city.
Their responses to questions about the ‘Cape Crusaders’ fanbase felt hollow, lacking the genuineness that previously endeared them to the South African public. Even assistant coach Jason Ryan’s chirps, particularly on the subject of SA Rugby’s apology for the flyover during the All Blacks’ haka at Ellis Park, did little to dispel the sense that this was a team feeling the weight of scrutiny.
Perhaps it was the pressure of recent results weighing on the Kiwis. Robertson’s record against the Boks as head coach – losing his first two Tests, and three of six in 2024 so far – has undoubtedly been a point of contention, compounded by the loss of the Freedom Cup to South Africa for the first time in over a decade.
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The All Blacks media team must be commended for their efforts in managing the delicate balance between maintaining public engagement and protecting the team from overwhelming attention. Enthusiastic fans swarmed their Cape Town hotel and training sessions at Athlone Stadium, yet pressers appeared rushed, a mere obligation squeezed into an already packed schedule.
The ease with which New Zealand stars Ma’a Nonu and Piri Weepu once blended into the Cape Town streets during the glory years of Super Rugby are a distant memory, replaced by a generation clearly being sheltered from overzealous but otherwise harmless locals.
Ironically, it’s the Boks who have become ‘the people’s team’, and Rassie Erasmus a media darling, entertaining journalists post-match on Saturday with an account of his ablutions during the match at Cape Town Stadium.
Robertson and his All Blacks will need to rediscover the charisma that made them such a beloved team, both on and off the field. As they face growing pressures back home while losing ground to Erasmus’ world champions, reconnecting with their easy-going roots may be just what they need to regain their status at the summit of world rugby.
Photo: Grant Pitcher/Gallo Images
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