Rennie savors a 'special win' as the All Blacks brace for a Springboks backlash

Johannesburg (AP) — Just hours after New Zealand's "special win" against South Africa at Ellis Park, head coach Dave Rennie was already looking ahead to the Springboks' potential retaliation. The All Blacks secured a narrow 33-16 victory, clinching the first test in their four-test series. At halftime, the score was 16-16, but New Zealand managed to overcome the pressure and secure a five-try-to-one victory.

Coach Rennie praised his team's defensive efforts and clinical finishing, acknowledging that the win was hard-earned. However, he warned that the Springboks would respond just as strongly in the second test. The scrums played a crucial role, with Ethan de Groot suffering a collision that left him out for the second half. Despite some controversy surrounding George Bower's selection, Rennie stated that his experience proved invaluable.

Captain Ardie Savea credited the team's presence in tight moments and their overall composition in the match. The next week will see New Zealand face South Africa again, and Rennie emphasized that the team still has much to learn and improve upon, admitting that they are still in the early stages of their development.