England – New Zealand: All Blacks coach Scott Robertson talks about a perpetual rivalry

With a host of All Blacks greats leaving the international scene since the 2023 Rugby World Cup, New Zealand remain in a state of transition under Robertson.

While there were some exciting victories, such as a win over South Africa at Eden Park to maintain their unbeaten run in Auckland, a record defeat to the Springboks a week later and two losses to Argentina under Robertson dampened the enthusiasm of the New Zealand rugby public.

“Overall, we have achieved some great results and weathered some significant adversity,” explains Robertson.

“We’ve been playing really good football and unveiled 20 players for the first time over the last couple of years. We’ve got a lot of players who have stepped up and we feel like we have a good foundation.”

But while it’s not a classic All Blacks side just yet, it is still ranked second in the world and boasts a host of superstars, from back-rowers Ardie Savea and Wallace City to generational players like Beauden Barrett and Will Jordan.

According to Robertson, the group is determined to make the most of the rare opportunity to play all four domestic nations on consecutive weekends.

“It just keeps on giving,” Robertson says of the year-end tour.

“You have 13 Test matches a year, every week [is huge]. I beat the All Blacks and had a great year. So is every team [wants the scalp].

“So you have to accept that. How do you take all that expectation and turn it into joy? That’s the art of coaching.”