Scott Robertson has labelled this week’s showdown with the Springboks at Eden Park as one of the biggest challenges of his coaching career, admitting the world champions will bring a unique edge to the All Blacks’ greatest stage.
Fresh from a shock defeat to Argentina, the All Blacks now face the back-to-back World Cup winners in a Rugby Championship Test dripping with history and rivalry.
“They’ll chance their hand and then go back to the DNA, so it’s coming. We know it’s coming [the high ball], and you know, that’s all part of it,” Robertson said on Monday, expecting South Africa to double down on their aerial assault after troubling New Zealand in past encounters.
MORE: All Blacks injury blow as Bok Test looms
The All Blacks coach acknowledged that Rassie Erasmus’ Springboks – soundly beaten by the Wallabies at Ellis Park – remain a dangerous prospect.
“It’s a fine line, isn’t it, because they played some great footy, and there was a moment in the Test match, a couple of bounces and momentum went the other way. Either way, they’ve got the skill set to do it … they’re a very innovative group.”
The respect is mutual, with Robertson leaning into the legacy of Eden Park, where the All Blacks have not lost a Test since 1994.
ALSO: History beckons for Boks in Auckland
“It’s a place, the amount of honour and the respect it’s been shown each time you run out there … that creates enough edge in itself,” he explained.
For the first time this year, Eden Park awaits
pic.twitter.com/Na4uxhNWeC
— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) September 1, 2025
With Eden Park’s aura and the Boks’ physicality converging, Robertson knows the weight of expectation has rarely been higher.
“There’s always pressure. That’s part of the job … there’s a lot of power in that pressure.”
KEO: Boks primed to end Eden Park curse
Photo: Michael Bradley/Getty Images
The post Razor braces for Bok storm at fortress Eden Park appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.