All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson explains controversial selection calls

Robertson's first squad of the year has caused quite the stir, with the ex-Crusaders boss naming five uncapped players ahead of the two-Test series against England.

The 49-year-old has backed many of his former players from the Canterbury club despite their poor Super Rugby Pacific season while also making a few surprise calls, including that of prop Pasilio Tosi.

However, arguably the most contentious decision from Robertson was to overlook in-form Blues number eight Sotutu after his sensational season, scoring a record-equalling 12 tries in the competition - the joint most by a forward in a single campaign.

Instead, Robertson selected Chiefs' breakout star Sititi - the son of former Samoan international forward Semo Sititi, who played for his country over 40 times.

The All Blacks boss has explained that all of the loose forwards that have been selected are strong on both sides of the ball - defence and attack - and while stating that Sotutu is a 'hell of a player', he hinted that he just hadn't worked enough on his game after conversations earlier this year.

"Yes, he is a hell of a player," Robertson said when asked by SENZ Radio if the Blues star was unlucky not to make the team.

"But the big focus for me and the team especially in the loose forwards â- at Test level â- is to be great on both sides of the ball.

"I had a conversation with him during the year and asked to see a few things (from him), and we had good conversations, and in the end, we went with somebody else."

That somebody else was the Chiefs' powerhouse Sititi, who Robertson explained was just too good to ignore.

Another touchy subject for fans was the captaincy decision, with Barrett getting the nod over Ardie Savea for the role, a decision that left ex-All Black Lima Sopoaga puzzled.

Robertson admitted that his history with Barrett certainly played a role in his decision to make him the captain but added that he was not the only option.

There has also been concerns around Barrett's discipline after recent yellow and red cards in the black jersey which Robertson addressed.

"Looks he is aware of it [his discipline] whether he is captain or not," he explained.

"He has dealt with a lot of his stuff, he is a tight forward that will live on the edge with the physicality and brutality of international rugby.

"And if you are slightly wrong, you are wrong, and he has matured and understands that and owns it, he has done a bit of work with it - particularly on the mental side.

"You just got to trust someone don't you. The other side is, Scott is a winner, we have had so much success over a long period of time and he has got the team over the line before and because our relationship is really critical and important to us.

"Everything considered, there were conversations with other players, and I just believe that for this group, he is going to drive what we need on and off the field with a great group of players around him."

READ MORE: Siya Kolisi and Handre Pollard return as Springboks name squad to face Ireland