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Important SN update for Southland‘The door is always open’: Scott Robertson talks debutants, omissions and future plans
Kieran Bingham • June 24th, 2025 11:00 am
Scott Robertson. | Photo: Tom Maher
Scott Robertson named his first All Blacks squad of 2025 yesterday and, true to form, it was bold, fresh and full of talking points.
With five debutants, a few familiar faces missing, and whispers of more changes to come, year 2 of the Razor era is already making noise.
“It’s a special day for everyone,” he told Sport Nation’s Millsy and Guy on Monday, reflecting on the reaction to his first official squad.
“Everyone’s got their opinions, haven’t they. Everyone is picking it (apart), and so they should.”
Sport Nation listeners voice their thoughts on 2025 All Black squad | Mondays with McHardy
The Super Rugby Final played a key role in final decisions, but Robertson made it clear that the door remains open.
“There’s a few boys and a few banged up bodies. I can imagine there will be a few more changes in the next few days as well.”
One of the biggest omissions was flanker Ethan Blackadder. Known for his tireless work rate and energy in the Crusaders' red and black, Blackadder was a tough player to leave out.
“Yes and no,” Robertson said when asked if the Crusader was hard done by.
“He’s full of effort, isn’t he? He just keeps going. Leaving someone like him out is always tough… but those are the things you go with. The door is always open for everyone.”
Blackadder only returned to regular minutes late in the season, and Robertson pointed out that it’s about more than just stats.
Ethan Blackadder shakes Scott Robertson's hand in 2024 | Photo: Photosport
“He’s very physical and has great stats, but it’s about impact - post-carry metres, dominant tackles, staying clean and disciplined. A couple of areas for him. I actually haven’t talked to him about that yet. Hopefully he hasn’t listened to this live… we all love him.”
When it came to the toughest area to settle on, Robertson pointed to the outside backs and midfield mix, especially around Rieko Ioane and Timoci Tavatavanawai.
“They both can play centre and wing,” he said. “The utility factor is massive, Beauden at fullback, Damian doing both, Ruben too. You’ve got to have that ability.”
Caleb Clarke’s form also came up, with the Blues winger struggling to find the chalk in this season's Super Rugby competition. But Razor isn’t worried.
“Caleb’s a Test footballer. We’ll get the best out of him. We trust ourselves to get him back to top form. Last year he was good for us.”
Robertson was clear that this squad is about more than just the here and now.
“You’ve got to build depth,” he said. “This is one of the squads where we wanted to get guys exposure, find out what the All Black environment is like, get them ready for Test footy, then see them perform.
"Ten debutants last year, five this year… you start to hone it over the next couple of years.”
Looking ahead to the new season, and reflecting on four losses in 14 Tests last year, Razor knows what needs to improve.
“Just to finish a couple more,” he said. “We led them all, carried it a lot, just need to finish those opportunities.”
For now, the squad is named. But with a few knocks still being assessed and the international season fast approaching, Razor’s message is clear - nothing is set in stone.
Listen to the full interview with Millsy & Guy below:
