Coach Dave Rennie says he’s “really excited” by the All Blacks’ upward trajectory but has “no illusions” about what’s coming in South Africa.
New Zealand made it three-from-three in the Nations Championship with Saturday’s 40-21 win over Ireland in Auckland, delivering a performance Rennie said was an improvement on the wins over France and Italy.
It provided further evidence that the All Blacks are playing with greater cohesion and assurance than during the two years under predecessor Scott Robertson.
RECAP: Record intact as All Blacks outmuscle Ireland
Robertson oversaw a commendable 20 wins from 27 Tests but was sacked by NZ Rugby bosses this year, primarily because they lacked confidence the national side was on track to reclaim their previous status as the world’s best.
In all three matches under Rennie, the All Blacks haven’t shirked from a high-speed, largely ball-in-hand approach.
More size was added to the pack against Ireland, introducing a physicality which Rennie said would be valuable against the world champion Springboks.
“We’ve put a lot of detail into our game, the boys have really embraced it,” Rennie said after the Auckland Test. “I’m really excited, I think we’re in a good spot.
“It’s a different beast, South Africa. We’ll go over there and give it our best shot.
“The exciting thing, I reckon, is we’ll come out of Africa regardless of the results in a much better place.”
MORE: Fitzy relishing Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry
Wing Will Jordan has benefited from the Rennie’s approach, scoring six tries in three matches to become New Zealand’s all-time leading Test try-scorer.
Rennie said scoring 40 points against heavyweight opponents Ireland underscored the threat of their attack.
“I felt like it was certainly the most complete performance, I felt like we’d had good patches in the other two games.
“Mind you, there’s no illusions about what’s coming [South Africa]. It’s going to be great.”
The Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour begins against the Stormers in Cape Town on 7 August and leaves South Africa for the fourth and final Test, on 12 September in Baltimore, USA.
SPECIAL REPORT: Inside the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour
Seasoned fullback Damian McKenzie said Rennie had stamped his mark as an ambitious coach but also an astute selector.
McKenzie praised the introduction of rising Hurricanes playmaker Ruben Love at flyhalf for all three July Tests, leaving no place for decorated No 10 Beauden Barrett.
“The way Ruben’s playing, you’d think he’s played close to 50 Tests,” said McKenzie, who was New Zealand’s first-choice flyhalf under Robertson.
“He’s obviously had an extremely good season with the Canes and now he’s just brought that confidence into the Test arena.
“He’s leading us around the park.”
ALSO: Polly pulled hammy, Sacha back to tackle Pumas
Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour fixtures
Friday, 7 August: vs Stormers, Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town
Tuesday, 11 August: vs Sharks, Kings Park, Durban
Saturday, 15 August: vs Vodacom Bulls, Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
Saturday, 22 August: vs Springboks, Ellis Park, Johannesburg
Tuesday, 25 August: vs Lions, Ellis Park, Johannesburg
Saturday, 29 August: vs Springboks, Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town
Saturday, 5 September: vs Springboks, FNB Stadium, Johannesburg
Saturday 12 September: vs Springboks, M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore
– AFP
Photo: Phil Walter/Getty Images
The post Rennie: Boks a different beast appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Coach Dave Rennie says he’s “really excited” by the All Blacks’ upward trajectory but has “no illusions” about what’s coming in South Africa.
The post Rennie: Boks a different beast appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
