But he has quietly stamped his mark on his new team.
The first All Blacks side of the Robertson era contains just eight starters from their last test, the one-point loss to the Springboks in the World Cup final in October, but that is almost entirely down to player departures and retirements.
New captain Scott Barrett is joined by Blues skipper Patrick Tuipulotu in the second row, Chiefs enforcer Samipeni Finau and Dalton Papali’i are with Ardie Savea in a retooled loose trio, TJ Perenara and Damian McKenzie form an all-new inside back combination, and Sevu Reece returns from injury to resume his place on the wing.
The one major discussion point is the selection at fullback of Stephen Perofeta, who will earn his fourth cap, but none of the five potential debutants in the squad has made the match-day 23.
Hurricanes hooker Asafo Aumua, poised for his first test appearance in nearly three years, leads an experienced bench containing old hands Beauden Barrett, Anton Lienert-Brown and Ofa Tu’ungafasi.
Robertson’s eyes seemed to widen a little as he sat down yesterday in front of the biggest media pack he has faced in his career and explained his selections.
"There were a few discussions — there always is," he said.
Few tipped Perofeta, as smartly as he played for the Blues, to usurp the vastly experienced Barrett senior at fullback.
Barrett, who has been on a playing sabbatical in Japan, took the news of his benching "like a true pro", Robertson said.
"Obviously the experience of 123 test matches counts for a lot, but also it’s about a guy [Perofeta] who’s in form, good around the high ball, playing great footy.
"Beauden can play his part covering 10 and 15. He can slot in at any time."
Finau fills the No6 jersey left vacant by Shannon Frizell and will make just his second appearance for the All Blacks after making his debut against the Wallabies at Forsyth Barr Stadium a year ago.
He has the sort of hard-nut approach, especially on defence, the All Blacks will need to match the combative English.
"I like that he’s six foot five and 120-odd kilos and a great lineout jumper and he can tackle," Robertson said with a wry smile.
"He’s physical. He’s a test forward."
Perenara, at 32, completes a fairytale return to play his first test in nearly two years after rupturing his Achilles in the 25-25 draw with England at Twickenham.
He was chosen ahead of the solid if unspectacular Finlay Christie, and had almost picked himself, Robertson said.
"He’s on form, he’s a competitor and he’s 80 test matches in.
"He’s owned a lot of this week and what’s required. He’s the koro we needed. He’s a test match footballer."
Reece is recalled on form — he was the top try-scorer in Super Rugby for a ghastly Crusaders team — and also because Caleb Clarke is slightly dinged up after the Blues’ victorious season.
The new Southland signing was "incredible" on both sides of the ball and had to be rewarded for his consistency, Robertson said.
He described England as "a hell of a side" who were well coached by Steve Borthwick and his staff.
Robertson almost looked like a guilty child when it was pointed out he made his first start for the All Blacks in 2000, forcing Otago favourite Josh Kronfeld to the bench for the test against Scotland at Carisbrook.
But he was thrilled to be making his test debut in Dunedin.
"We’re pleased to be down here and at that awesome stadium. It beats strong down here, the old rugby blood. They know their footy.
"They love Ethan de Groot, I tell you that. That’s one thing — I had to pick him, ha ha. Guaranteed starter."
All Blacks
To play England
Stephen Perofeta, Sevu Reece, Rieko Ioane, Jordie Barrett, Mark Tele’a, Damian McKenzie, TJ Perenara, Ardie Savea, Dalton Papali’i, Samipeni Finau, Patrick Tuipulotu, Scott Barrett (captain), Tyrel Lomax, Codie Taylor, Ethan de Groot.
Reserves: Asafo Aumua, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Fletcher Newell, Tupou Vaa’i, Luke Jacobson, Finlay Christie, Anton Lienert-Brown, Beauden Barrett
