Coach Scott Robertson took some time to think after the All Blacks’ crushing 31-27 loss to the Springboks at Ellis Park before holding another press conference. On Sunday morning, “Razor” convened with the media to assess the performance of Ethan Blackadder.
Blackadder got the Test started on Saturday night with a bang and didn’t let up. Throughout the first fifteen minutes, the backrower was a constant ball carrier, creating two early try-scoring opportunities, and a strong defensive player.
Surprisingly, the South Island native of New Zealand, 29, also demonstrated an unwavering desire to influence the set-piece. Blackadder leapt from the front pack whenever the Boks had a lineout, trying to intercept passes from halfback Cobus Reinach.
Considering that Blackadder replaced an injured player in just one Rugby World Cup match against Namibia the year before, his claim to the No. 6 shirt under Robertson is very remarkable.
There was enough to admire in the exciting match at Johannesburg’s Ellis Park, even though the All Blacks were unable to win. Robertson was asked by this journalist what he thought of Blackadder’s fierce on-field performance.
Robertson laughed and said, “Ethan is possessed—you’re the one saying it, not me.” He then broke down the blindside flanker’s strategy.
“Isn’t he quite the athlete? He never turns off; he’s always giving it his best, whether it’s treading on someone’s toes, carrying the ball, or just being idle.
“He’s in once he gets in. I was fairly impressed. We like his intensity, and I’m happy he has a few games under his belt and that his body is in excellent condition.
Codie Taylor’s rolling maul gave the All Blacks an early lead as Blackadder was going bonkers on both offence and defence. Later in the half, Caleb Clarke added another goal, giving the visitors a 12–11 advantage at the interval.
It was always going to come down to how both sides responded after the break, and after roughly sixty seconds, Jordie Barrett raced away for an intercept try, giving the All Blacks the early advantage. The Ellis Park throng went silent, if only briefly. This was unusual.
Later in the second quarter, when the men in black jumped out to a commanding 17-27 lead, Clarke found himself back on the scoreboard. The scores stayed that way until the 67th minute, when Ofa Tu’ungafasi was sent off, which turned out to be a pivotal point.
Changes The Springboks were able to retake the lead thanks to quick tries from Kwagga Smith and Grant Williams. They went on to win the Rugby Championship, which was a significant victory that made some doubt the All Blacks’ bench alternatives.
“They have players with a lot of experience who have played abroad and who have been part of the Springbok team for a long time. played a few major Tests,” Robertson informed the press.
Yes, it is a benefit for them, and we will take it into account.
“If you go back a few years, you’ve seen guys like Dane Coles or Sam Whitelock, or whoever the example is, come off the bench and learn. We just need to pick up the skills really, really quickly.”
“Wow, what a night they had last night.
“The Springboks have done that over time, and it’s part of their strength and DNA, but we should still be better and still win that game in the end.”
Coach Scott Robertson took some time to think after the All Blacks’ close 31-27 loss to the Springboks at Ellis Park before speaking with the media once more. Razor faced reporters on Sunday morning and was asked to assess Ethan Blackadder’s performance.
Blackadder put on a strong early-game effort in the Test on Saturday and kept it up throughout. In the first fifteen minutes, the backrower carried the ball multiple times, including two early try-scoring opportunities, and he was a defensive beast.
The 29-year-old South Island native of New Zealand additionally demonstrated an unwavering dedication to the set-piece, regularly lunging out of the lineouts to contest passes made by Springbok halfback Cobus Reinach.
It’s impressive how Blackadder has established himself in the No. 6 shirt under Robertson, especially considering that he only participated in one Rugby World Cup game last year—a replacement for an injured player versus Namibia.
Positives emerged from a dramatic battle at Johannesburg’s Ellis Park, even though the All Blacks were unable to achieve victory. Robertson laughed when asked about Blackadder’s performance, saying, “Ethan is possessed—you said it, not me.”
“He’s a phenomenal athlete who never turns off.” He’s all in once he’s in, whether he’s carrying the ball or stepping on someone’s toes. We adore his energy, and I’m delighted he’s played a few games already.
The All Blacks jumped off to an early lead because to Blackadder’s unwavering play; Codie Taylor scored a try and Caleb Clarke added another, putting the visitors up 12–11 at halftime.
Just seconds into the second half, Jordie Barrett’s intercept try gave the All Blacks the lead and momentarily quieted the Ellis Park throng. After Clarke scored another try, the All Blacks led 27–17. However, Ofa Tu’ungafasi’s yellow card in the 67th minute proved to be significant, as Kwagga Smith and Grant Williams, two Springbok replacements, each scored tries to steal a vital Rugby Championship victory.
Robertson conceded that having experienced players, especially off the bench, benefited the Springboks. “They have players who have spent a lot of time playing important Test matches abroad and with the Springbok squad. We will take that benefit into account.
“The Springboks have built that DNA over time, but we should have still won that game,” Robertson remarked after giving the game some thought.
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