John Kirwan has challenged All Blacks coach Dave Rennie to show the same willingness to take risks as Springbok counterpart Rassie Erasmus.
Erasmus is one of the most influential and innovative figures in world rugby, constantly testing the bounds of what is possible as the game evolves.
Speaking on the Rivals podcast, Kirwan said Erasmus’ boldness has been a key factor behind South Africa’s success, even if some of his innovations have not been universally popular.
“People say Rassie is a great coach, and he is – he’s the best,” said the All Blacks great. “But what people probably don’t understand is the courage it takes to change things in our game. He’s done that.
“Picking a different Test team every week … you wouldn’t have done that three years ago.
“The Bomb Squad, as much as I bloody hate it – I actually hate it with a passion – it works. The majority of the time, it works.”
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Kirwan believes Rennie must show similar bravery as he begins his tenure in charge of the All Blacks.
Rennie is set to name his first All Blacks squad after Saturday’s Super Rugby Pacific final between the Hurricanes and Chiefs, with plenty of intrigue surrounding his selection plans.
“Having that courage is really important,” Kirwan said. “What we do want to see from Dave Rennie is that courage, and the public need to support that courage as well.”
The Springboks kick off their season with a match against the Barbarians at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Saturday, with the South Africa A team taking on Zimbabwe beforehand.
“Some of the risks Rassie has taken with selections and changing the Test team every week take real courage,” Kirwan added. “If you play your young guys against the Barbarians, you learn a lot, but it also takes courage.”
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Photo: Daniel Hlongwane/Koki Nagahama/Getty Images/Gallo Images
The post JK: Rennie must match Rassie’s courage appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
John Kirwan has challenged All Blacks coach Dave Rennie to show the same willingness to take risks as Springbok counterpart Rassie Erasmus.
The post JK: Rennie must match Rassie’s courage appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
