All Blacks coach Scott ‘Razor’ Robertson learned some brilliant news this morning, and the surprise on his face showed he wasn’t expecting it at all.
The All Blacks have climbed back to number one in the World Rugby rankings after the Wallabies’ 38-22 win over the Springboks in Johannesburg yesterday morning.
Robertson and the All Blacks captain Scott Barrett didn’t know this until it was mentioned at a press conference following their match against Argentina.
Sharing the news, a reporter asked: “Is that something you’ve been chasing? Is that something you’ve put a lot of stock in?”
“It’s actually something we just learnt, because you just told us,” a confused yet amused Robertson responded.
“Look, it just shows how tough test footy is, how close it is, and the margins,” he added.
Robertson went on to discuss the great defence from the Argentinian side.
“They were very passionate, just like the Springboks were too,” he said with a cheeky grin. “And then it can turn in a moment - discipline, card, great play, two or three tries.”
He says moments like those can impact the results of any and every test match.
“I’m pleased with number one, but our sights will probably be more set on next week’s match than rankings.”
It’s that mindset that solidifies why we’re on top.
“This is pure gold,” one YouTube commenter wrote. “Robertson and Barrett are absolutely humbled and surprised with the news of their number one ranking and immediately respectful of the other teams who have dropped - 👏 take a bow, NZ, you're all class.”
“We're only going to get better. Heaps of back up 💯✊,” said another.
The All Blacks face Argentina again this Sunday at 9:10 am NZST. Here's hoping being back on top puts the right oomph into their performance on the field.
