Justin Marshall: The big All Blacks ‘negative’ Scott Robertson must ‘change’ after Ian Foster’s era

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Justin Marshall wants the All Blacks to return to the all-singing all-dancing approach from yesteryear after the struggles under Ian Foster.

New Zealand endured a tumultuous few seasons following the 2019 Rugby World Cup and produced a number of unwanted firsts.

That included a home defeat to Argentina and a series loss against Ireland as they fell down the World Rugby rankings.

Foster was almost sacked but, after he was kept on by New Zealand Rugby, they nearly claimed the 2023 World Cup title, narrowly going down 12-11 to the Springboks in the final.

The All Blacks’ game plan

There were still criticisms, however, and Marshall felt that they moved away from the traditional All Blacks style during the previous tenure.

That, to the former scrum-half, meant being “territory-based”, which included more kicking, instead of a willingness to chance their arm from deep.

The 50-year-old therefore hopes that Scott Robertson brings about a positive change when the new era begins next weekend.

“I certainly feel that there are areas where the All Blacks have always been strong historically,” Marshall told The Platform.

“Equally, you do have to try and play to your strengths, and that’s obviously looking at your squad and what the balance of your strengths are going to be.

“Also, they do recognise what the All Blacks have really struggled with in recent times, which is this really aggressive line speed defence that narrows the field.

“I certainly feel that they’ve tried to combat that by going negative and not wanting to play in your own half, and kicking the ball away unnecessarily and not being prepared to play the entire field.”

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He added: “It’s not the way historically we have been successful as a nation, it’s not what makes us dangerous and I feel this coaching group, led by Scott Robertson, is aware of that.

“The All Blacks are at their best when they have the ability to play the field, for when they see opportunities rather than be a territory-based team.

“At times, you can play that type of style but I certainly hope there’s going to be a big change-up in mindset where we’re prepared to use the ball in more parts of the field.”

New squad

On Monday, Robertson named his first squad since becoming All Blacks boss, selecting five uncapped players in the 32.

The core of the team that reached the World Cup final remains, however, despite the departures of the legendary Aaron Smith, Brodie Retallick and Sam Whitelock.

Scott Barrett has been handed the captaincy, taking the role ahead of Ardie Savea due to his Crusaders connection with the new head coach.

New Zealand begin with a two-Test series against England before they take on Fiji in San Diego.

After those mid-year Tests, they head into the Rugby Championship where they will be looking to defend the title they won in 2023.