Robertson makes overseas players plea after New Zealand labour versus Italy

New Zealand head coach Scott Robertson has said he wants to see overseas-based players become eligible for the All Blacks after his side laboured to a 29-11 win over Italy.

The visitors recorded their 18th straight win against Italy to wrap up their autumn series, but Robertson's side were made to work for the victory in Turin in flanker Sam Cane's final Test for the team, ahead of his switch to play club rugby in Japan.

Speaking after the game, Robertson said he would ask New Zealand Rugby to follow in the footsteps of world champions South Africa and allow those playing outside domestic competitions to be eligible for the national team.

"We don't want to be a cycle behind or a couple of years behind," Robertson said.

"Professional rugby is always evolving. Let's keep an open mind and see what's next. I'll definitely be presenting.

"Using South Africa as an example, they get the opportunity to use a lot of experienced players who are looked after and managed well into their 30s so they've got a great balance.

"And they've got big squads, they can have two really quality 15s."

Final match of 2024 Thank you @Federugby what a match!#AllBlacks pic.twitter.com/644W2pgb8b

— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) November 23, 2024

New Zealand prevents players from being considered for national selection if they are not playing domestically, in a bid to prevent a player exodus and the weakening of the domestic competitions.

The hard-earned win against Italy on Saturday saw Robertson end his first year in charge with 10 wins and four defeats.

The All Blacks had hoped to make a statement win after a narrow defeat to France in their last outing, but it was the Italians who raced to a 6-3 lead early on before the visitors found two tries from Cam Roigard and Will Jordan to take a 17-6 lead at the break.

The home side managed to put New Zealand under pressure, winning three penalties in quick succession, but New Zealand held on as Cane, who won the World Cup in 2015, received a standing ovation when he left the pitch.

Reflecting on his time with the team, Robertson said it had been a learning experience.

"You learn about game management, your roles and how you set a team up to win a Test match. We've played some incredible halves, 45, 50, 60 minutes. We just haven't always finished," he said.