All Blacks v Wallabies - Bledisloe I
Kick-off: 5:05pm Saturday 27 September NZT
Eden Park, Auckland
Live blog updates on RNZ
Scott Robertson has been quizzed about comments Wallaby coach Joe Schmidt made about him in Ian Foster's autobiography, which was released earlier this year. The All Blacks coach said he "hadn't read" the book and was "not sure of the context".
Schmidt, who took over the Wallabies coaching job last year after being an adviser to the All Blacks during the 2023 season, had taken aim at Robertson's play for the All Blacks head coaching role during Foster's tenure.
"A big part of it was about integrity," said Schmidt in the book. "The pressure that was being exerted was contributed to by not just New Zealand Rugby, but people aiming up at 'Fozzie' [Foster].
Ian Foster, Head Coach of the All Blacks Photo: Hannah Peters
"There was a podcast - with Jim Hamilton and Scott Robertson. That's in the public domain. That was a pressure point and an advertisement that he [Robertson] wanted to win the World Cup with two different teams. And he [Robertson] applied pressure by starting an interview with 'Bula' when there was talk of the Fijian job being open. That was happening in the foreground, not the background. That was the tip of the iceberg, and it was bloody awkward for Foz."
Robertson was asked about the quotes at the team naming press conference, and said he had respect for former Ireland coach Schmidt.
"Oh look, he's highly respected. What he's done as a player and as a man in world rugby. So yeah, we look forward to the contest," said Robertson.
When pressed further, Robertson said he hadn't paid attention to anything that had been written.
"I haven't read the book, sorry. I'm not sure of the context. I stay away from reading the media as well. Joe is Joe. He's been around, you know, he's a good rugby man."
Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt Photo: AAP / Photosport
Robertson stopped short of saying the two coaches would be having a beer after the game, however, was open to the idea after the second test.
Meanwhile, he said that his All Blacks team was wary of the Wallabies, who are desperately searching for their first Bledisloe Cup win in 23 years.
"Last year they stayed in the fight especially, that first test. The Bledisloe, historically through all of them they out throwing it and they back themselves. That's the biggest thing. And they stay deep into the game, this is what we expect on Saturday night, playing good footy."
Robertson confirmed that captain Scott Barrett had injured his shoulder in the last test against the Springboks, and although he finished the game, he was "not quite right". Ardie Savea takes over as captain, with Robertson saying that cohesion was the key driver behind his selections despite the heavy loss.
"We chased a game that got away from us. But for the majority, we played some really good footy. And a lot of the core group of those guys get to play again. You learn on stage and they've been under the spotlight and it's another chance for them."
All Blacks side for Bledisloe I
1.Ethan de Groot, 2. Codie Taylor, 3. Tyrel Lomax, 4. Fabian Holland, 5. Tupou Vaa'i, 6. Simon Parker, 7. Ardie Savea, 8. Wallace Sititi, 9. Cam Roigard, 10. Beauden Barrett, 11. Caleb Clarke, 12. Jordie Barrett, 13. Billy Proctor, 14. Leroy Carter, 15. Will Jordan
Bench: 16. Samisoni Taukei'aho, 17. Tamaiti Williams, 18. Fletcher Newell, 19. Patrick Tuipulotu, 20. Peter Lakai, 21. Cortez Ratima, 22. Quinn Tupaea, 23. Damian McKenzie
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