The All Blacks kicked off their 2024 international season with a hard-fought 16-15 win over England at Eden Park on Saturday. In Scott Robertson’s first test as head coach, New Zealand had to dig deep to maintain their impressive unbeaten record at the Auckland fortress.
Beauden Barrett once again proved his value off the bench, providing a spark in the second half that helped the All Blacks overcome a determined English side. While Robertson expressed pride in the team’s effort to find a way to win, he acknowledged there’s still room for improvement as they build into the season.
Jamie Joseph Returns to Highlanders
In a significant coaching move, Jamie Joseph has been reappointed as head coach of the Highlanders starting from the 2025 Super Rugby season. The 54-year-old returns to his former position after a stint as head of rugby, bringing valuable experience back to the franchise.
Governance Progress for New Zealand Rugby
New Zealand Rugby made strides in addressing its governance issues this week. At the annual general meeting on Friday, stakeholders agreed to collaborate on finding a resolution to the ongoing standoff. This development marks a positive step towards improving the organisation’s governance structure.
Super Rugby Viewership Mixed
While Super Rugby saw an overall increase in viewership this season, fewer people tuned in to watch the 2024 final compared to previous years. This mixed result highlights the ongoing challenges and opportunities facing the competition as it seeks to engage fans and grow its audience.
Black Ferns Sevens Update
The Black Ferns Sevens team faced a setback with captain Sarah Hirini undergoing ACL surgery following an injury at the Dubai Sevens. This puts a question mark over her availability for the upcoming Olympics. However, the team showed resilience by securing another medal in Cape Town, powered by standout performances from players like Jorja Miller.
Looking Ahead
As the All Blacks prepare for their next test against England, all eyes will be on how Robertson continues to shape the team. The debut of new players and the integration of Robertson’s coaching philosophy will be key areas of focus for fans and pundits alike.
In conclusion, it’s been an eventful week for New Zealand rugby, with on-field successes, coaching appointments, and off-field developments all contributing to the ongoing evolution of the sport in the country.
