New Zealand coach Robertson says Twickenham visit is 'why I'm doing the job' / Photo: Shane WENZLICK - AFP
New Zealand coach Robertson says Twickenham visit is 'why I'm doing the job'
New Zealand coach Scott Robertson cannot wait to face England at Twickenham on Saturday as the All Blacks continue their quest for a tour 'grand slam'.
Robertson's men have arrived in London following wins this month over Ireland in Chicago and Scotland in Edinburgh.
Further victories against England and Wales, their opponents in Cardiff on November 22, would mean the All Blacks had defeated all four 'Home Nations' on a single tour, to complete a 'grand slam'.
England are on a nine-match winning run, following victories over Australia and Fiji in their opening two Autumn Nations Series internationals.
But New Zealand have not lost to England since a dramatic 2019 World Cup semi-final in Japan, while their last defeat at Twickenham was in December 2012.
"It's at the so-called 'home of rugby' (Twickenham), with a full house and an expectant English team," Robertson told BBC Radio 5 Live's Rugby Union Weekly podcast. "We want a grand slam. They want to take our scalp. How good is footy (rugby)?
"This is why I'm doing the job and that's where the enjoyment starts. There is a fine balance -- you feel like you are never satisfied, but you love it."
Robertson believes there is more to come from his squad, who defeated South Africa and Australia during the recent southern hemisphere Rugby Championship but were pipped to the title by the world champion Springboks.
"We have had some great results and we've fought back from some great adversity," he said.
"We have played some really good footy and exposed 20 debutants over the past two years.
"We have got a lot of guys who have stepped up and we feel we have a good foundation."
J.Stadler--NWT
