Springbok Test series tougher than a World Cup, says All Blacks boss Rennie
The teams meet in four Tests over the coming weeks in what has been billed Rugby's Greatest Rivalry.
New Zealand All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie stated that a four-Test series against South Africa is tougher than a Rugby World Cup. While World Cup finalists play seven matches, opponents in the World Cup vary in strength. Rennie expressed excitement about facing the Springboks, as both teams will be about a year away from the 2027 World Cup.
South Africa defeated New Zealand 12-11 in the 2023 World Cup final, and they could meet in the quarter-finals in Australia next year. Rennie mentioned that the All Blacks benefited from three warm-up victories against South African franchises. Some pundits questioned the value of the matches, suggesting the Springboks lacked key players and were just beginning pre-season training.
However, the Stormers lost to the All Blacks 38-21, and New Zealand scored 54 points against the Sharks and 50 against the Bulls. Rennie noted that they used many players, and several will be left out for the first Test, creating selection pressure. New Zealand could win the series if they play at their best and force the Springboks to play below their best.
Rennie anticipates the reigning world champions to exploit their strengths, particularly their strong scrum and set piece pressure. The second Test is scheduled for Cape Town on August 29, followed by Johannesburg on September 5 and Baltimore on September 12.
Written by urgent.news from The Citizen's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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