All Blacks face 'discomfort' for poor finishing

09/07/2024 03:54 PM

New Zealand boss Scott Robertson and skipper Scott Barrett head home expecting a backlash after successive defeats to the Springboks in the Republic, reports DEVIN HERMANUS.

The All Blacks suffered another bruising defeat to the world champions on Saturday, going down 18-12 in Cape Town. It marked the Boks’ fourth consecutive win over their fiercest rivals, a record streak in the professional era that also saw South Africa reclaim the Freedom Cup for the first time since 2009.

After leading the Boks 9-3 at half time, much like their previous encounter in Johannesburg, the Kiwis faltered again in the final stages. The loss leaves Robertson's men desperate to find a way to close out matches – an issue that has plagued them in recent Tests.

Head coach Robertson cut a prickly figure in the post-match press conference, acknowledging the challenge his team now faces but offering no excuses.

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"A helluva Test match, congratulations to South Africa, they know how to get it done, don't they? They took their opportunities, especially when they were in the 22, and they finished them," Robertson said.

Reflecting on the Kiwis’ inability to seal the game, Razor remained clear-eyed: "It’s been a helluva tour and we've created enough opportunities, we just haven't finished them. Small margins in Test footy… The All Blacks jersey demands the best of us and finishing what we've created."

This match was a case of missed opportunities, particularly in the second half when flyhalf Damian McKenzie failed to convert two crucial penalty attempts. These misses came at pivotal moments that could have extended the All Blacks’ lead, leaving Robertson to lament the game slipping away.

"Probably converting a couple of opportunities by kicking a goal here and there… it's as simple as that really,” he said. “We had two chances to win it and we didn't take it."

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Robertson was frank when asked about the pressure mounting on his side. "Yup, it is, but we've got to be frank and honest about it when we approach these things, and just step forward towards it," he admitted, knowing full well the criticism waiting for them back home.

For Barrett, the result was another tough pill to swallow, particularly given how hard the team fought. "It was a physical Test match out there, it always is against South Africa,” he said.

“We created enough but you have to take them, especially against a class side like SA," Barrett said. "On the wrong side of that for a second time, so it's very disappointing."

Looking ahead, Barrett acknowledged the growing unease within the squad, especially with the bye week before their next Test against the Wallabies. "We certainly have to regroup, there's going to be a lot of discomfort heading into the bye week. We have to highlight that, because right now I'm not too sure. But yeah, we have to be better."

With the Rugby Championship slipping away, Robertson and Barrett are aware of the scrutiny awaiting them, but both remain focused on turning things around. “Test matches are about finishing,” Robertson emphasised, “and that's our next step.”

Photo: Gordon Arons/Gallo Images

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