All Blacks coach Dave Rennie says they’re not expecting too many surprises from the Vodacom Bulls when the two sides clash at Loftus Versveld on Saturday.
Johan Ackermann has named a relatively strong match 23, featuring four Springboks, for the battle in Pretoria. Former Sharks and Munster winger Thaakir Abrahams will make his Bulls debut, as will flyhalf Curwin Bosch who has spent the past two seasons with Brive in France.
For the All Blacks, veteran hooker Codie Taylor returns from a calf injury to captain the side. The tour captain missed New Zealand’s opening 38-21 win of the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour over the Stormers and Tuesday’s 54-0 demolition of the Sharks in Durban.
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Both Rennie and Ackermann have spoken this week of the respect they have for each other.
“I coached against Johan. He was at the Lions when I was at the Chiefs. He was over in the UK at Gloucester – not that we came against each other then when I was at Glasgow – and basically he left Japan as I arrived,” Rennie said.
“I know him well. I respect what he’s done.”
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Rennie expects Ackermann’s Bulls to bring their trademark physicality, but believes they are also more willing to attack than the two sides the All Blacks have already encountered.
“We know what’s coming. He’s always got a tough forward pack, but they do have a mindset where they’re prepared to play, a little bit more than the two sides we’ve faced so far,” he said.
“They’ll still kick a lot and they’ll still challenge us, but they will play if they get an opportunity.”
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Photo: Vodacom Bulls
The post Rennie: All Blacks know what’s coming appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
All Blacks coach Dave Rennie says they’re not expecting too many surprises from the Vodacom Bulls when the two sides clash at Loftus Versveld on Saturday.
The post Rennie: All Blacks know what’s coming appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
