Buckle up, rugby fans – the All Blacks' storied legacy might be cracking under the weight of Scott Robertson's leadership, and a seasoned ex-player is pointing fingers at a coaching crew that's anything but united. But here's where it gets controversial: is this 'structured' approach the killer of creativity, or the key to reclaiming dominance?
Former scrum-half Steve Devine, who donned the black jersey 10 times, argues that the All Blacks' overly rigid offensive strategy is holding back Robertson's team as scrutiny intensifies on the head coach. New Zealand suffered their second defeat of the 2025 season, crashing 33-19 to England at London's Allianz Stadium, dashing any dreams of a Grand Slam and adding another bleak chapter to Robertson's tenure.
Delving into the All Blacks' troubling track record, they still haven't clinched a Rugby Championship title since Robertson stepped in after Ian Foster's exit. To make matters worse, September saw them endure their heaviest ever loss to the Springboks. These setbacks have sparked serious doubts about 'Razor' Robertson and his support staff, with scant signs of progress during his time at the helm.
Speaking on Sport Nation’s The Rugby Run, Devine pulled no punches: 'My gut tells me the coaching team is missing something crucial – they're not aligned. You can see it in their play; the attack feels disjointed, like not everyone's grasping the full plan.' For beginners, think of rugby's attack as the creative engine of the game – the way teams move the ball to score tries, often involving quick passes and clever runs to exploit gaps in the opposing defense.
Devine highlighted moments where the All Blacks shone, such as when they shifted the ball wide to the wings, creating space against England's aggressive, inward-leaning defense. England often defends by crowding the ball-carrier and inside channels, leaving the outside (wings) as a tempting option. The All Blacks capitalized early, scoring two tries on one flank and gaining ground. Yet, they faltered later, a lapse Devine attributes partly to waning confidence but mostly to internal disarray.
And this is the part most people miss: the latest World Rugby rankings now have England climbing above Ireland following their decisive win over the All Blacks, shaking up the global pecking order.
While the All Blacks' set-piece – the structured restarts like scrums and lineouts, guided by the esteemed Jason Ryan – has performed solidly, their overall attack has faltered remarkably. It hasn't ignited since the 2023 Rugby World Cup. Early in Robertson's reign, they lost attack coach Leon MacDonald, a key figure in shaping their offensive playbook. Instead of replacing him, the team let Jason Holland, the backs coach, depart before the recent northern tour.
Devine elaborated: 'Sometimes, we lose our way entirely. We've ditched our core identity in attacking, forgetting the days when opponents dreaded kicking to us because we'd turn it into points.' He lamented the current over-structured play, which leaves the team directionless at key moments – a rarity in All Blacks history. Imagine, for instance, how legends like Jonah Lomu used unstructured flair to terrorize defenses; today's team seems bound by a playbook that stifles that raw brilliance.
For more on the match, check out our breakdown of winners and losers from England vs. All Blacks: full props to George Ford's clever tactics and Henry Pollock as England's standout star.
Now, here's the big debate: Devine's take paints Robertson's methodical style as a betrayal of the All Blacks' free-spirited DNA, but could it actually be a necessary evolution for modern rugby's demands? Some argue that structure brings consistency against tougher, more analytical teams, while others fear it's erasing the magic that made the All Blacks icons. What do you think – is sacrificing flair for organization the right move, or should they unleash the chaos? Do you agree with Devine, or is Robertson unfairly targeted? Drop your opinions in the comments and let's discuss!
