Sir Wayne Smith has urged Scott Robertson and the All Blacks to be brave in their quest to win a fifth ‘Grand Slam’ on their end of year tour.
The All Blacks previously captured the quartet of wins over the home nations in 1978, 2005, 2008 and 2010 with Wayne Smith on the coaching team for three of those four Slams.
Smith believed that the All Blacks have the necessary experience in the squad, despite being derided as too conservative by some.
“Razor’s crew are going to have to be brave, they’re going to have to take some risks,” Smith told The Post.
“The depth of the squad will determine whether they win it or not.
“He’s probably considered that because he’s picked experienced players who have performed well before.”
The World Cup-winning coach with both the All Blacks and the Black Ferns defended Robertson’s selections, and pointed out he has blooded plenty of newcomers.
The Robertson era has seen 19 debutants over the first two seasons, which is more than what was seen in 2020-21 in the first two seasons under former head coach Ian Foster.
All Black coach Scott Robertson and his captain Scott Barrett give their views on the ‘greatest rivalry’ tour of 2026
All Black coach Scott Robertson and his captain Scott Barrett give their views on the ‘greatest rivalry’ tour of 2026
Smith also backed out of favour pair Rieko Ioane and Sevu Reece to perform on the big stage and deliver.
“Razor is bold. He’s had 19 debutants in a year and a-half, and he’s clearly picked a squad in which everyone can play,” Smith said.
“Guys like Sevu [Reece] and Rieko [Ioane] will front up, and they’ll get footy.
“Those guys will be key to whether they can win a Grand Slam or not.”