All Blacks’ Season Rated “Just Above Average” by Veteran Commentator Amid Mixed Reactions

The All Blacks are having a season that's making waves in the rugby world, and not necessarily in the way fans might hope. Known for their usual dominance, New Zealand’s rugby team has faced some serious ups and downs in 2024, leading long-time commentator Grant Nisbett to give a rating that’s turning heads. According to Nisbett, even if they manage to secure wins over Ireland and France, the All Blacks’ season would only merit a 7.5 out of 10, far from the excellence many expect.

In Nisbett’s view, while the All Blacks have still racked up eight wins from their eleven matches under the new head coach Scott Robertson, they’ve also taken three losses. One of those losses, a tough game at home against Argentina, has particularly stood out as a point of disappointment. For a team like the All Blacks, losses like this don’t sit right with Nisbett. 

Unlike sports betting odds that tend to heavily favour the All Blacks, reality has shown a tighter, more challenging season than fans or bettors might have anticipated. The All Blacks are considered underdogs in their match against Ireland, with odds of around 11/5 compared to Ireland’s 4/9. However, Nisbett believes, the actual matches are revealing gaps and unpredictability that even the boldest betting lines didn’t expect.

Scott Robertson stepped in as head coach, bringing fresh energy and new tactics, but the road hasn’t been smooth. While Robertson’s leadership has brought excitement, it’s also been a mixed bag in terms of outcomes. Eight wins are nothing to scoff at, especially with a thrilling 24-22 victory over England at Twickenham that had fans on the edge of their seats. 

Still, those three key losses, particularly that Argentina match, have brought critical eyes to Robertson’s performance. And in a season as high-stakes as this one, the setbacks feel heavier. Nisbett believes these losses expose areas the team needs to work on, especially as they look ahead to face powerhouse teams like Ireland and France.

Rugby fans aren’t alone in feeling the weight of these performances. For sports bettors, the All Blacks are often a safe bet, with odds that frequently lean in their favour. But this season, the match results have been less predictable. That unpredictability isn’t just a challenge for the team; it’s something that reflects deeper on how the season’s playing out. Nisbett’s rating is a wake-up call to fans, hinting that maybe it’s time to temper the high expectations and see where this new leadership is taking the team.