Robbie Deans heralds the start of a new All Blacks era » allblacks.com

The former All Black, Australian coach and New Zealand assistant coach told The Rugby Paper that Robertson knew what was expected of him and how to rediscover the All Black’s on-field magic.

“I never played as a head coach with the All Blacks, but I wouldn’t have minded being in charge of all that staff.

“Scott has that privilege now, but he has earned the right.

“For me, New Zealand needs its authenticity, they need an injection and he is the man to do it.

“It’s not going to be plain sailing. It’s going to be tough. He knows that, and his heart rate is probably going up now. He’s going to pump them up for England, that’s for sure.

“But he’ll be good for the game, good for the All Blacks, and it’s an exciting time for him and the fans.

“He knows what the All Blacks need. It’s about maximizing, not minimizing. And he will do that. He helps players and teams get involved. That comes to the fore when the going gets tough.”

Deans said his success in Super Rugby showed he was a good coach, he was creative and didn’t dwell on things.

“He knows how the whole of New Zealand can react when the team wins or loses. But he’s tough. He’s had a long, successful playing career in a difficult position… He’ll be excited about what the challenge is, what the role requires and what’s ahead of him.”

Former England and British and Irish Lion Jeremy Guscott said in his Rugby Paper column that the tourists have the chance to short-change the All Blacks.

England had two weeks to prepare after their 52-17 win over Japan, which was a bonus. They also play a team that has not played since last year’s Rugby World Cup final.

“What team do the All Blacks get when they haven’t played a match for so long?

“It has to be one of the most opportune times for an England team to take on the All Blacks. If you look at it objectively, why can’t England win?

“The most obvious reason is if they go into their shell and lose all the momentum they built up by beating Ireland, then put in a good performance against France and then back that performance up three months later with a big win over Japan.

“You can’t get carried away, of course, because New Zealand very rarely lose at home, and almost never lose at Eden Park, Auckland, the venue for the second Test. In contrast, England seem to be in a decent place, with a lot of positive signs.”

Guscott said New Zealand was always his favourite opponent.

“It’s because I admire their relentless pursuit of success and believe a coach like Wayne Smith is a rugby guru.

“In New Zealand, rugby is the most important thing, but the Kiwis are quite balanced and certainly appreciate good rugby from other teams. So I admire the All Blacks, period.

“It should be a great series as the Crusaders under Robertson played some excellent rugby and his All Blacks will face an England side taking another step in their attacking evolution.”