Head coach Scott Robertson praised TJ Perenara’s performance in the All Blacks’ victory over Argentina at Eden Park.

The scrum-half was criticised for his performance in the 38-30 loss to Los Pumas in Wellington, but Robertson backed him. Perenara started in Auckland and silenced the critics with an impressive performance in the 42-10 triumph.

His audacious throw-off as he went down for Will Jordan’s try was undoubtedly the highlight, but the playmaker’s overall performance stood out.

Playmaker trio

Together with their playmaker colleagues Damian McKenzie and Beauden Barrett, they controlled the game excellently and kept the All Blacks in the race for the Rugby Championship.

Former New Zealand head coach Laurie Mains was among those who questioned Perenara’s inclusion in the team, saying: “I can’t think of any reason why they would go back to TJ,” but Robertson was pleased the scrum-half proved his critics wrong.

“TJ, it was a special turnaround. I didn’t really listen to the noise during the week, but TJ had to acknowledge that performance and he stood up and did what he did,” said the head coach SENS.

“He turned back time. It was beautiful.”

Former All Blacks boss: “I can’t think of any reason why they should go back to TJ Perenara”

Perenara was not the only player questioned ahead of the second Argentina Test, but all produced excellent individual performances to take the pressure off both the team and Robertson.

“You know they’re tough,” said the 49-year-old. “You have to support your men, but you have to do that with the necessary communication so that they’re clear.”

“We say, ‘We support you,’ and they did it and showed their performance. I’m really happy and proud of them.”

Perenara also appeared before the media after Saturday’s victory and the scrum-half showed his experience in dealing with the critical scrutiny.

“It’s not my job to believe that or prove anything in this area, nor to discredit it, because you’re doing your job too. But it’s easier or smarter not to listen to it and have my own standards for how I want to prepare,” the 32-year-old said.

Prop star

Robertson made four changes to the team for Saturday’s encounter, but one of them was forced as Tamaiti Williams came on for the injured Ethan de Groot.

The Crusaders’ young player is highly valued and made a significant contribution as a substitute in the All Blacks’ run to the final of the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

However, Williams has not played much rugby since the showpiece event due to an injury sustained in round one of the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific season.

The loosehead, who can also play as a tighthead, returned towards the end of the Super Rugby Pacific season and showed his class in the win over Argentina.

“He was special, man. He jumped off the ground, didn’t he? He put his shoulder in, he defended straight, he fought through the huddle. He’s such a big man, he’s maturing well, so we’re really happy for him,” Robertson said.

“When it started raining, (forwards coach) Jason Ryan was smiling all day. He wanted to kick the ball out at full speed and have a scrum at half-court!”

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