All Blacks coach Dave Rennie says his side is aware of the challenge awaiting them at the Springboks’ Ellis Park “mecca”. CLINTON VAN DER BERG reports.
Rennie on Thursday described this week’s squad selection as one of the toughest calls of his tenure, revealing that the second row in particular sparked extensive internal debate before the final team was settled.
“There were a lot of guys in good form,” Rennie said. “Massive competition for places, and yeah, there’s a handful of spots that took a fair bit of discussion.”
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He singled out the second-row battle as the biggest selection headache, praising the depth now available to him.
“We’re really excited about that group,” he said, pointing to standout form from his locking options as proof the position has never been stronger. Consequently, Josh Lord and Fabian Holland got the call-ups.
Rennie was equally effusive about winger Josh Moorby’s rapid rise into calculations, crediting a rare blend of composure and physicality for his elevation.
“It’s probably composure,” Rennie said. “He just makes really good decisions. He’s got an excellent skill set. He’s got a big ticker, and we get a lot of repeat efforts out of him.”
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Asked about reported footage of questionable breakdown technique being circulated, Rennie brushed off suggestions of gamesmanship with a wry laugh, confirming both camps appeared to be doing the same thing.
“We sent in clips of concerns we’ve got. I’m sure they’ve done the same thing. I’m not sure why they’re trying to air that stuff in the media. I’ve got no plans of sharing any of the clips we’ve sent in with the media.”
On what it will take to get a result away from home, Rennie was blunt about the scale of the occasion awaiting his side.
“It’s almost like a mecca,” he said of Ellis Park, adding that his players understand exactly what they are walking into.
He flagged the aerial battle as a key early flashpoint.
“We certainly expect a lot of aerial attack. I think if we can defuse that, that’ll give us some opportunity to attack.”
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Rennie also made clear his team is bracing for a physical arm wrestle rather than an open, expansive contest.
“We’re going to have to really empty out the tank,” he said when asked about the efforts of the 1996 New Zealand touring side.
Asked whether the pressure of a sold-out, world champion Springbok side playing at home added extra weight to South Africa’s shoulders, Rennie said: “I’m not going to try and heap that on them and play mind games. I’m sure they’re very excited to play at home in front of a sold-out crowd. We’re really excited to play there as well.”
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Photo: Johan Orton/Gallo Images
The post Rennie: All Blacks ready to empty the tank appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
All Blacks coach Dave Rennie says his side knows what to expect when facing the Springboks at their Ellis Park “mecca”.
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