All Blacks Prepare for Cape Town Battle: Scott Robertson on Controversial Calls, Team Strategy, and Fan Support

The All Blacks have announced their team to face the Springboks. Included in their starting line-up is Wallace Sititi in place of injured Ethan Blackadder.

Team Announcement vs. Springboks: 2nd Test

The All Blacks are without their overseas based players which include Richie Mo'unga, Aaron Smith and Shannon Frizell just to name a few.

New Zealand Rugby CEO Mark Robinson stood firm on the eligibility rule that no players may play for the All Blacks if they are based abroad unless they are granted a sabbatical by the governing body.

Earlier in the year Head Coach Scott Robertson reportedly looked to lure Mo'unga back to New Zealand.

Robertson on the Eligibility Rule

"The CEO covered that pretty clearly the other day with his answer, it is the current laws and it's what they are,” Robertson told SportsBoom.com.

The Springboks decided to move their Team Announcement from their normal schedule of Tuesday to Thursday after the All Blacks.

Image Credit: Dave Rowland/Getty Images

The Springboks have been unconventional in their team selections moving away from the 5/3 split to 6/2 and 7/1 forwards and backs split. Robertson was asked whether he had any thoughts in possibly tweaking the split of his bench and changes in strategy for victory against the Springboks

Robertson jokingly responded, "we were thinking 8/0 but it didn't last that long."

Controversial Calls: Test 1

In the first test between the Springboks and All Blacks in Johannesburg, there were a few controversial calls like the Bongi Mbonambi try and the hit on Siya Kolisi.

In the post-match press conference following their defeat, Robertson was very mum on the controversial calls. He has expressed his views on officiating ahead of the 2nd Test in Cape Town.

"We are just hoping for consistency. Consistency in calls...that's all."

All Black Aura in Jeopardy?

The All Blacks in the last 20 minutes have been known to be dominant, especially in the McCaw era. The All Blacks as of late, have struggled to close down games in the last 20 minutes. New Zealand columnist Chris Rattue, writer for the Herald, believes the All Blacks have lost that intimidating presence once associated with the likes of McCaw and that the All Blacks have lost their swagger.

Robertson commented, "We obviously had a game on the weekend, we had an opportunity to win. That is the small snapshot of it. We got another opportunity this weekend."

All Blacks Fans in Cape Town

The All Blacks have been bombarded by the fans from arrival in Cape Town. Cape Town has a deep historic fan base for New Zealand teams dating back to the Apartheid days.

Sititi Starts at Blindside Flank

Sititi, who plays his trade for the Chiefs in the Super Rugby gets an opportunity to start against the Springboks. First time traveling to South Africa.

"I'm definitely excited to play, it is my first start as well. I'm looking forward to seeing how I go. I normally play 8 for Chiefs and now moving to the blindside, it is a big change but hopefully on the weekend I get it right and get the reps in. I will hopefully bring the physicality this weekend and bring it to the Springboks,” said Sititi.