All Blacks coach Dave Rennie says reinstating Codie Taylor as captain for Saturday’s series finale against the Springboks in Baltimore was not a tough choice to make.
Taylor sat out the third Test at FNB Stadium, but returns to lead the side as New Zealand aim to draw the series 2-2 and take home half of the Greatest Rivalry trophy.
Rennie says with regular captain Ardie Savea and Luke Jacobson both unavailable, Taylor was the obvious man to step in.
“Well, he’s the tour captain, so that made sense to us,” Rennie said.
“Obviously, we’ve lost a fair bit of experience over the weekend, with Luke and Ardie out. With both of them unavailable, we felt Codie coming back in – he’s an excellent player and gives us a lot of leadership and experience, and that’s been really valuable throughout the week.
“We’ve got Asafo Aumua to come in late in the game to provide impact.”
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Rennie also spoke highly of veteran back Beauden Barrett, who’ll make his first appearance of the series from the bench on Saturday.
“It’s been tough for Beauden. He’s sat on the sidelines for the first six Tests of the year and he’s been phenomenal, his contribution within the group has been excellent and he’s trained really well.
“He’s played very well at 15 for us and that’s primarily where he’ll get his crack at the weekend.”
Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images
The post Rennie: Codie was the sensible choice appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
All Blacks coach Dave Rennie says reinstating Codie Taylor as captain for Saturday’s series finale against the Springboks in Baltimore was not a tough choice to make.
The post Rennie: Codie was the sensible choice appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
