All Blacks coach demands killer instinct for upcoming matches

All Blacks coach Scott Robertson expressed optimism about his team's progress but emphasized the need to regain their killer instinct to secure victories. In a recent match against the Wallabies in Sydney, New Zealand established a strong 21-0 lead within the first 15 minutes. However, they faltered in the second half, narrowly winning 31-28 after failing to capitalize on their early dominance. This pattern of losing leads has been evident in previous matches against Argentina and South Africa, raising concerns about their finishing ability. Robertson acknowledged the importance of improving decision-making and finishing skills, stating that the team is committed to addressing these issues. He highlighted the need for better execution of final passes, which have been lacking throughout the year. Despite the win, which allowed New Zealand to retain the Bledisloe Cup, the coach recognized that they could finish only third in the Rugby Championship if they do not improve in their upcoming match against Australia. In terms of player availability, there are concerns regarding Jordie Barrett, who is set to undergo a scan for a knee injury. Meanwhile, his brother Beauden Barrett is recovering from illness, which caused him to miss the recent match. Robertson's focus remains on regrouping the team and ensuring they learn from their mistakes as they prepare for the next challenge. Overall, while the All Blacks have shown character, the need for a more ruthless approach in closing out games is critical for their success in the upcoming fixtures.