"Discipline is Key" - 5 Talking Points: All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson previews clash with England

Friday, 14 November 2025 at 09:10

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By Jack Humphreys

All Black’s head coach Scott Robertson seemed in a jovial mood when he joined the media for his last press conference before the All Blacks face England at Twickenham this Saturday.

Here are the five key takeaways from Scott Robertson’s press conference.

1. New Zealand are more concerned with what comes after the kicking battle

A lot has been made of England’s back three selection and the kicking to compete tactics that will accompany it.

Robertson said “they’ve got a great aerial game in it, Mitchell’s a quality kicker and they put it on the spot so it's a big part of the game for them.”

Robertson was quick not to underestimate England’s running game.

Saying, “if George (Ford) gets it out of his hands quickly, you know the game's on so it's exciting isn't it, when you play a team like that.”

The Kiwi coach seemed far more excited about what happens with the ball in hand.

He said “There'll be a kicking battle, but what comes after, that's the key.”

2. New Zealand's back three shouldn't be underestimated

Some may have been surprised to see that the best named man in rugby, Leicester Ofa Ki Wales Twickenham Faingaʻanuku, was named on the left wing for New Zealand. Faingaʻanuku is naturally a centre but he has been called in to cover for the injured Caleb Clarke.

Robertson was quick to point out that it wouldn’t be the first time Faingaʻanuku has excelled out of his natural position.

He said “Did you see the second Bledisloe Cup match? Yeah, he was pretty handy on left wing against Potter, left foot kick as well, and he's playing good footy, so yeah, it's his spot”

Anton Lienert-Brown has also been called up to the bench after missing the last seven All Blacks games.

Robertson said “Look, he can cover all positions in the backline, he can cover 12, 13, cover wing as well, he's experienced, he's trained really well, it's great.”

Expect to see a very flexible New Zealand backline on Saturday.

3. Simon Parker starts over Walace Sititi in the back row

Simon Parker returns to the All Black’s starting XV after missing out on the 23 entirely against Scotland.

When asked why Parker had been favoured to start Robertson said “he’s a big body, he’s physical”.

Robertson is clearly looking to counter England’s breakdown aggressive back row of Pepper, Underhill and Earl and use Sititi in the later stages of the game against tired bodies.

Robertson said “Wallace will come on, you know, he's obviously got a great game, especially when the chance opens up a little bit or we still have to make our tackles and turn the ball over or whatever the style of game is, he can add to it.”

4. Robertson expects another tight game against England

England have faced the All Blacks four times since the 2019 World Cup semi-final. One of these was drawn and the three most recent tests have been won by New Zealand by a combined total of 10 points.

Robertson said “we're just looking for a result. I think probably the key thing is you look at these games, how tight they are in the margins, two quality teams, both got clear DNA, how they want to play and they're tight, so discipline is key”

New Zealand nearly threw away a 17 point lead last week against Scotland following two yellow cards in the second half. The All Blacks got over the line because of some individual brilliance by Damian McKenzie to halt the Scottish momentum.

Robertson, aware of the importance of momentum said “we looked at the momentum swings and how Scotland put pressure on us and the compounding errors and our ability to get out of our own end more cleanly was key for us, so we did that.”

Scott Barrett has 'good skin' - All Blacks captain healed from nasty laceration

New Zealand were without their captain and largest of the Barrett brothers Scott with a nasty cut. This absence allowed two young kiwi locks, Josh Lord and Fabian Holland, to shine against the Scots.

Holland has retained his place but Lord has made way for the returning captain.

Robertson said “he's healed well, the Barrett's have got some good skin. It was remarkable once you saw the cut, he has good healing powers and we're just pleased. He's definitely enthusiastic, but for Scott to be pulled back a bit was great.”

Robertson went on to say Scott Barrett had been in training all week and was ready to go.