The All Blacks' recent struggles have sparked a heated debate, with former player Steve Devine weighing in on the matter. Devine, a seasoned scrum-half, believes that the team's structured approach is hindering their performance, particularly under the guidance of head coach Scott Robertson.
The pressure is mounting on Robertson, who has yet to lead the All Blacks to a Rugby Championship victory since taking over from Ian Foster. In fact, the team suffered their largest-ever defeat to the Springboks under his watch, raising questions about his coaching strategies.
"It's clear that the coaching staff is not in sync," Devine asserts. "The attack lacks cohesion, and it's evident that not everyone is on the same page. When they manage to get the ball to the wings, they create space and look promising, but they often fail to capitalize on these opportunities. It's a confidence issue, but there's more to it than that."
The All Blacks' attack has been a cause for concern since the 2023 Rugby World Cup. Surprisingly, the team lost their attack coach, Leon MacDonald, early on in Robertson's tenure, and they chose not to replace him. This decision has had a significant impact on the team's performance, as evidenced by their recent losses.
"We've lost our identity and our ability to attack instinctively," Devine explains. "In the past, teams would think twice before kicking the ball to us, but now we seem lost and overly structured. It's a worrying trend that I've never witnessed in an All Black team before."
The debate surrounding the All Blacks' performance is sure to continue, with many fans and experts questioning the team's direction. What do you think? Is the structured approach to blame, or are there other factors at play? Join the discussion and share your thoughts on this controversial topic!
