Scott Robertson: ‘There’s a bit of unconscious bias but it’s still got to be earned’
Scott-Robertson-and-Scott-Barrett-1
All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson admits there could be ‘bias’ in his All Blacks selections after some fans felt he favoured the Crusaders with his first squad.
The 49-year-old named a 32-man group earlier in the week which almost inevitably invited debate over who he had picked.
Robertson decided to leave out Blues star Hoskins Sotutu, with Wallace Sititi getting the nod, while Crusaders lock Scott Barrett was handed the captaincy.
There was also an interesting inclusion in the form of Ethan Blackadder, who, like Barrett, features for the Christchurch outfit.
Injury issues
Blackadder impressed for the All Blacks when fit but he has struggled with injuries over the years and only recently returned to action.
It has led to accusations of bias from some people and Robertson did admit it could subconsciously happen, but that at times it was not without justification.
“I suppose there’s a bit of unconscious bias or there’s a natural bias towards people you know and that you trust, but it’s still got to be earned,” he told Newstalk ZB.
“The squad that’s been picked, it’s been earned.
“I’m picking the best players, I think that’s the key thing. Whatever jersey they’re wearing, they’re the best players for that position in our country.
“Obviously, there’s going to be combinations, but that was my mindset. We’ve got a balanced squad. You always have people challenge your thoughts; the way we set it up with selection and our criteria.
“If you’re a coach and you’ve coached a team, naturally people ask that question. The last coach probably had the same question, as did the coach before.”
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One loyal Crusader who has been left out is utility back David Havili, who has struggled in a faltering side that missed out on the Super Rugby Pacific play-offs.
“It was just an honest one (conversation), really clear, and what he needs to do to get into this squad and why we’ve done it. It’s as simple as that,” Robertson said.
“Look, he appreciates it. Because you’re honest with people for a long period of time, you build that trust. He acknowledged that he probably hadn’t put himself in a position to be in that four (at centre).”
Captaincy
Robertson also received some criticism for picking second-row Barrett as captain over Ardie Savea, with his relationship with the Crusaders star playing a part in the decision.
The head coach added: “The first thing for me I look at as the on-field captain: are they successful as captain? How hard do they work? Are they respected by the opposition?
“Obviously, I’ve mentioned before with Scott, he’s one of those. We’ve got a great relationship and he’s the man.
“I’ve gave him plenty of time to think about the role. He talked to Smiley (Scott’s father Kevin) as you do as a Barrett, and he went through the process.
“He’s a deep thinker and when he came back he was extremely grateful for the opportunity. He was humbled and ready to go.
“The period of time in the captaincy at the Crusaders and the success he had was a great opportunity for him to step up. He’s ready.”