'We found a way': Robertson praises All Black effort in series sweep

The All Blacks have made a triumphant start to their season with a 3-0 sweep over France in a series that tested their resilience, adaptability, and character. The final test, a hard-fought 29-19 victory in Hamilton on Saturday, saw the team come from behind to secure a win that coach Scott Robertson called 'a really good footy game,' despite its moments of frustration.

Robertson made 10 changes to his starting lineup for the match, and further adjustments were forced due to injuries to key players Rieko Ioane and Luke Jacobson. Yet, the All Blacks showed remarkable composure, with the impact of their bench being a standout feature. Jordie Barrett's match-winning cameo and Brodie McAlister's try on debut were pivotal moments in the game.

McAlister’s try, described by Robertson as 'great' and 'nicely executed,' was a turning point. The All Blacks also dominated the final 20 minutes, enjoying an 88% possession advantage, which forced the French to make an additional 170 tackles. This overwhelming pressure on the French defense eventually led to their downfall, even though they managed to take an early lead in the game.

Similar to the first test in Dunedin, the French showed strong early performance, but the All Blacks ultimately controlled the tempo and territory in the final stages, ensuring a decisive win. Captain Ardie Savea admitted the team faced challenges in the first half, but he praised the team's resilience in coming back in the second half.

‘That takes character,’ Savea said, crediting the French for their strong defense and acknowledging the pressure they exerted on the All Blacks. Despite these challenges, the All Blacks continued to display their leadership and tactical flexibility, which proved crucial in securing the win.

Despite the late changes to the lineup, the All Blacks' ability to adjust and perform under pressure was a key factor in their success. Robertson expressed his admiration for the team’s effort, stating that they will be 'better for it,' even if some aspects of the game were 'not pretty.'

The All Blacks now have a month before the Rugby Championship begins, where they will face Argentina in two away tests. The squad for the tournament is expected to be named on 4 August, with the team looking to build on this successful series and continue their dominance on the international stage.