England v New Zealand: All Blacks coach Scott Robertson on an enduring rivalry

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

While there have been some stirring wins, such as over South Africa at Eden Park to maintain their unbeaten run in Auckland, a record defeat by the Springboks a week later and two losses to Argentina on Robertson’s watch have muted the enthusiasm of the New Zealand rugby public.

“In its entirety we’ve had some great results and we’ve fought back from some great adversity,” Robertson explains.

“We’ve played some really good footy and exposed 20 debutants over the past two years. We’ve got a lot of guys who have stepped up and we feel we have a good foundation.”

But while it is not a vintage All Blacks side yet, they are still ranked number two in the world and boast a handful of superstars, from backrowers Ardie Savea and Wallace Sititi to generational players like Beauden Barrett and Will Jordan behind the scrum.

And according to Robertson, the group is determined to make the most of a rare chance to play all four home nations in consecutive weekends.

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

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

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