Rennie's Ireland warning brings All Blacks back down to earth
REACTION: Coach Dave Rennie gave New Zealand a “pass mark” after surging past Italy but says the All Blacks will need to be better to beat Ireland in the clash of two unbeaten Nations Championship teams next weekend.
Trailing after half an hour in Wellington on Saturday, the hosts powered home 47-17 against the 10th-ranked Italians, boosted by a hat-trick by wing Will Jordan that took him to a record 50 tries for New Zealand.
Much like the 32-30 win over France a week earlier, in Rennie’s first match in charge since taking over from the sacked Scott Robertson, New Zealand mixed imperious attacking play with a high error count.
Rennie said the period when his side scored four tries in 14 minutes just after half-time showcased what they can do when their execution is firing.
New Zealand then became too loose over the closing stages, much of which was against 14 Italian players following the red card shown to lock Niccolo Cannone for a head-butt.
“I thought we were pretty passive defensively in the first 10 or 15 minutes,” Rennie said.
“We were excellent after half-time. We were able to play at a tempo that they struggle with so it was disappointing that we didn’t ram that home in the last 20-odd minutes.
“So, yeah, it’s a pass mark, but we’ll need to be better next week.”
The third-ranked Irish are coming off bonus point wins over Australia and Japan to top the northern hemisphere pool after two rounds of the inaugural championship.
They have their sights set on being the first team to topple the All Blacks at Eden Park in 32 years.
“They’re a great side, Ireland. Very well coached, and pretty confident so it’ll be a good challenge for us,” Rennie said.
“They’re a really smart defensive side and so we’re going to have to force them to make decisions.”
Rennie was unsure if wing Leroy Carter (shoulder) and flanker Luke Jacobson (calf) would be available after injuries forced them from the field.
Rennie heaped praise on Jordan, whose five tries in two games have lifted him past a swathe of former New Zealand greats, including Christian Cullen, Jonah Lomu, Jeff Wilson and Doug Howlett.
Jordan said he was surprised to find himself ahead of those luminaries.
“They’re the who’s who of the All Blacks back three,” Jordan said.
“Watching them when I was younger or seeing highlights of the older guys, it’s crazy. I don’t see myself in that realm yet but it’s special to be among those names.”
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