The All Blacks' recent struggles have sparked a debate, with former player Steve Devine weighing in. He believes the team's structured approach is hindering their performance, especially under head coach Scott Robertson.
New Zealand's loss to England at Twickenham ended their Grand Slam aspirations and highlighted a larger issue: the All Blacks' inability to win the Rugby Championship under Robertson's leadership. This has led to questions about the coaching staff and their strategies.
The 'Razor' Effect?
Devine, a seasoned scrum-half, suggests that the coaching team might not be aligned, impacting the team's attack. He notes that the All Blacks' attack has been inconsistent, failing to live up to their reputation since the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
The loss of attack coach Leon MacDonald early in Robertson's tenure, followed by the upcoming departure of backs coach Jason Holland, has left a void in the team's offensive strategy.
"We seem to have lost our way when it comes to attacking. It's as if we've forgotten our DNA, the instinctive nature of our play. We used to be feared for our unpredictable style, but now we're too structured," Devine explained.
The All Blacks' set-piece, under the guidance of Jason Ryan, has shown efficiency, but the attack has been a different story.
"It's a confidence issue, but there's more to it. The team doesn't seem cohesive at times, and that's a concern," Devine added.
And here's where it gets controversial: with the All Blacks' attack struggling, is it time to question the coaching staff's strategies? Are they adapting to the modern game, or are they stuck in a structured rut?
What do you think? Is it time for a change in approach, or can the All Blacks turn it around with their current setup? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
