All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson has provided his view on the standout England gamers from the primary Take a look at in addition to Marcus Smith after his missed objectives proved pivotal.
The 25-year-old flyhalf completed two from 5 off the tee with quite a few makeable mid-range photographs from roughly 30-40 metres out crusing vast. With the ultimate rating 16-15, purpose kicking proved to be the distinction ultimately.
Robertson was reluctant to supply recommendation to Borthwick on whether or not Smith needs to be chosen for the second Take a look at at Eden Park however did say No 10s want time at this degree.
“That’s one for Steve [Borthwick], I’ve acquired my very own group to fret about,” Roberston joked when requested if Marcus deserves one other run.
Smith was the primary alternative No 10 in 2022 beginning most of England’s Checks that yr however misplaced the position to George Ford in 2023 underneath Borthwick.
Again within the saddle in 2024, Smith now has 25 begins for England, three of which got here at fullback.
The All Black coach pointed to historical past that confirmed why Smith needs to be endured with.
“There’s lots in your plate and it takes time to grasp Take a look at footy and the strain of it,” Robertson mentioned on No 10s at this degree.
“Historical past reveals that , it’s time on subject in your ft studying a few classes.
“Marcus is a hell of a participant and can be higher for final night time.”
Defence 
82%
Deal with Completion %
85%
On the gamers who impressed Robertson within the first Take a look at, he singled out Kiwi blindside Chandler Cunningham-Smith and halfback Alex Mitchell as excellent performers.
Cunningham-Smith made his presence felt on the breakdown whereas Mitchell’s attacking expertise caught his eye.
“I believed Chandler, he’s simply such a heavy physique with the ball. I believed Alex was nice when he acquired fast ball across the base of the ruck,” Robertson mentioned.
“A few doubles [pumps] and faints, handing guys off the ball into house. They had been sharp, off the highest of my head [those two] had been sharp.”
On the areas the place England stunned the All Blacks, it was the trio of Cunningham-South, Sam Underhill and Ben Earl who made life troublesome on the bottom.
“I simply suppose the breakdown with and with out the ball, how arduous they had been on the ball,” he mentioned.
“They’ve acquired some nice operators, they’ve acquired good low loosies they usually simply assault it so rapidly.
“They get their palms on the ball . Our guys try to counter the ruck however their effectivity to learn and anticipate is fairly particular.
“And like I mentioned the road pace, they flew at you.”
