Having responded in what they feel was the appropriate fashion against Argentina at Eden Park, the All Blacks have turned their attention to their two clashes against the world champions in South Africa.
Next up it’s the All Blacks versus the Boks, and, just as intriguingly for the rest of the rugby world, Razor v Rassie.
A buoyant All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson, the man with one of the sharpest nicknames in the game, was asked the morning after his side’s 42-10 demolition of Argentina about coming up against South Africa head coach Rassie Erasmus, an occasionally polarising figure, who, like Robertson, approaches the game from a unique angle.
Was he expecting mind games from a man who has virtually made a career out of manipulating players, officials and supporters?
He may still be relatively new in the role, but, after five Tests, Robertson knows a potential trap when he sees one.
“We’ll just play what’s in front of us,” Robertson said. “I know Rassie, I played against him. He’s one of the personalities of world rugby. I enjoy his commentary. He comes from a different angle … everyone loves a press conference with him. I’m looking forward to locking horns.”
Pressed on whether he saw himself as a similar sort of figure to Erasmus, Robertson again responded with the straightest of bats by saying: “I’ll leave that one to you. I won’t self-diagnose.”
Watch Scotty Stevenson and Pat McKendry break down last night's game on TVNZ+.
What is clear is that the All Blacks will leave for South Africa with a renewed sense of confidence that they are on the right track after a narrow series win over England, a blowout against Fiji, a setback against the Pumas in Wellington, and a decisive response last night.
Given the size of the group – 36 players and about a dozen support staff – it will travel via Sydney on separate days. The players, including skipper Scott Barrett, and coaches will leave on Friday and are scheduled to arrive in the Republic on Saturday afternoon local time.
They will arrive in Johannesburg to face a side on Sunday, September 1 (NZT), presumably high on confidence after the Boks’ 2-0 series win over Australia in Brisbane and Perth.
Despite wholesale changes to their match-day squad, South Africa battered the Wallabies into submission 30-12 in Perth, with the All Blacks, under pressure after their setback against the Pumas in Wellington, similarly impressive at Eden Park when putting the visitors to the sword 42-10.
Robertson has plenty to be satisfied about after a compelling performance from his side in defending their 30-year unbeaten streak at Eden Park which now stands at 50 Tests.
There were highlights across the board, but he would have been especially pleased for lock Tupou Vaa’i, the All Blacks’ lineout caller who imposed himself in all facets.
A decision on the travel status of fellow lock Patrick Tuipulotu (calf), loose forward Luke Jacobson (hamstring) and loosehead prop Ethan de Groot (neck), will be made by Wednesday, Robertson said.
With Vaa’i and rookie lock Sam Darry both stepping up last night and Scott Barrett returning from a finger injury, Robertson’s locking stocks suddenly look a lot healthier.
“He’ll strap the pinkie up and go at it,” Robertson said of Barrett. “He’s important. He’s a big body and that’s what you need over there. He’s been observing from the background a little bit. It’s been Ardie’s team the last couple of weeks.”
South Africa have been innovative in Australia – probably the result of the influence of Kiwi assistant coach Tony Brown as much as Erasmus's genius – but Robertson is quietly confident the All Blacks have a few tricks of their own tucked away.
As for what he is expecting, Robertson is in no doubt.
“They have a clear DNA, South Africa,” he said. “They’ve been pretty innovative and have evolved really well over the last few games. That’s the exciting part. You see how Rassie’s mind works. He’s pretty special - they’ve got a great group there.”
The key thing is that some of his players may need a refresher now that South Africa don’t participate in Super Rugby.
“They’re just a different challenge. They’re set piece orientated but they can get you in some great kick battles. They put on pressure in different ways. It’s a little bit different to Lautoka or playing at Suncorp. You’re on the highveld so there are different conditions. You do miss it.”
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