How England could cut down Razor’s men

It’s hard to imagine a tougher opening run for a debut All Blacks coach than the schedule that Scott Robertson is faced with for 2024. His charges will play 14 test matches in nine countries. For context, from their first test match played in Australia in 1903 it took the All Blacks 32 years to record a visit to a ninth country.

Seven of the 14 tests will be played against the other countries that make up the top five of World Rugby’s rankings.

And this comes after the loss of some serious firepower, with the departure of six veterans — three centurions — who featured in last year’s World Cup final.

There will be fascination around the two clashes with the Springboks (both away) and the Wallabies, with newly appointed Joe Schmidt at the helm.

Later in the year, big tussles loom in England, Ireland and France.

But it’s an earlier shot from England that could have the biggest impact: The second test of the year, at Eden Park. Of course, few All Blacks fans would ever admit to nerves about a fixture at the ground where the team have been undefeated for so long — the 48-game unbeaten streak goes back to 1994.

But All Blacks sides often start the season scratchy; Razor’s mojo might take a while to set in with some of the players. And England — ugly and scrappy as ever — aren’t a bad footy team.

All Blacks sides often start the season scratchy; Razor’s mojo might take a while to set in with some of the players.

Their newish coach Steve Borthwick has had time to settle into the role; they grunted their way to a respectable World Cup.

And they always have a habit of getting under All Black skin.

If England were to break the Eden Park curse it would be a fitting reward for a bugbear opponent — it would also give Robertson the beginnings of a great redemption arc.