The recent announcement of the first squad by Scott Robertson, the newly appointed head coach of the All Blacks, has sparked significant controversy among fans. The decision to exclude Hoskin Sotutu, a powerful forward, has led to accusations of ‘Crusaders bias’ due to the inclusion of a number of former Crusaders players in the squad.
Many fans have expressed disappointment over Sotutu’s omission, particularly in light of his exceptional performance throughout the year. Despite his outstanding record, Robertson selected Ardie Savea, Ethan Blackadder, and Wallace Sititi over Sotutu for the number eight position.
Former Fiji head coach Simon Raiwalui even suggested that Sotutu should consider representing another team, an opinion shared by other fans and analysts who were surprised by Sotutu’s absence from the squad.
Furthermore, concerns have been raised over the high number of Crusaders players in the squad, especially considering the team’s challenging season. This has fuelled the allegations of ‘Crusaders bias’ against Robertson.
In the absence of key players such as Sam Whitelock and Sam Cane, Robertson had the responsibility of appointing a captain for the All Blacks. His decision to choose Scott Barrett as captain, with Jordie Barrett and Ardie Savea as vice-captains, has been met with some criticism. Some argue that Ardie Savea should have been given the captaincy due to his exceptional performance over the years.
The reaction to the squad announcement has been mixed, with some fans expressing disappointment over Sotutu’s exclusion, while others have shown support for the selected players.
In conclusion, Scott Robertson’s first All Blacks squad has sparked widespread debate and criticism, particularly regarding the omission of Hoskin Sotutu and the selection of the team captain. As the new head coach, Robertson will need to address these concerns and prove his ability to lead the All Blacks effectively.
The decision to leave out a player of Sotutu’s calibre and the choice of captain are crucial factors that will shape the performance of the All Blacks in the upcoming matches. It remains to be seen how Robertson’s squad will fare and whether he can justify his selections in the face of mounting criticism.