'He's one of the most innovative coaches': Rennie on Rassie
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: When South Africa and New Zealand go head-to-head next month, it won’t just be two of the best teams in the world clashing, but two completely different rugby philosophies.
The Springboks, under head coach Rassie Erasmus, have been an incredible force. They have won back-to-back Rugby World Cups and back-to-back Rugby Championships for the first time in history.
They are currently on an 11-match winning streak and sit atop the Nations Championship on the Southern hemisphere standings after victories over England, Scotland and Wales.
Beyond the results, the Boks have set the benchmark for their rivals. Currently ranked No.1 in the World Rugby Rankings, Erasmus has built remarkable depth that is the envy of coaches across the globe.
For New Zealand, it has been a period of rebuilding under new head coach Dave Rennie. The All Blacks have not looked like their dominant selves in recent seasons.
However, under Rennie, they have rediscovered their identity. They’re playing with greater width, increased tempo and, most importantly, trusting their instinctive attacking game once again.
With that renewed energy, the results soon followed. The All Blacks recorded victories over France, Italy and Ireland and, like South Africa, remain unbeaten in the Nations Championship.
Now the stage is set for the Greatest Rivalry Series.
The last time New Zealand won a Test series in South Africa was in 1996, when they claimed a 2-1 victory – a result still regarded as one of the greatest achievements in All Blacks history.
Speaking about the upcoming four-Test series, Rennie made it clear his side is embracing the challenge.
“It’s probably best not to comment on it too much, but we want to win and we want to win every week.” Rennie said.
“We’re playing the best team in the world. It couldn’t come at a better time for us.
“We’ve had a month together and I think we’ve made good strides.”
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The Greatest Rivalry Series promises to be a fascinating battle of contrasting philosophies.
The Springboks will look to dominate the collisions, squeeze the All Blacks at the set-piece, contest every breakdown and force New Zealand into a slower, more structured contest.
The All Blacks, meanwhile, will aim to generate quick ball, retain possession and play at a high tempo.
After three rounds of the Nations Championship, New Zealand have recorded the most carries and passes of any team in the competition.
“I think we’ve got an understanding of our DNA and the game we want to play,” Rennie added.
“We just need to get better, and now we’re going to be tested against a phenomenal side on their home soil.
“So yes, it’s exciting. I’m not particularly looking at numbers and things.
“We’ll focus on one game at a time and I guarantee these boys will leave everything out on the field every week.”
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Taking a look at the rivals, Rennie was full of admiration for Erasmus and the job he has done with the Springboks.
“They’ve been phenomenal. They’ve made so many changes against Scotland, who are an excellent side, and still were able to dominate the game.
“Rassie has done an unbelievable job over the last eight years. He’s probably one of the most innovative coaches in world rugby.
“He’s incredibly influential too, and they’ve done a good job around World Rugby.
“So yeah, all we know is they’ll be very detailed and very well planned. They would have watched our series closely.
“He has used a lot of players. We know a fair bit about them. A lot of his boys are playing in Japan, plenty are in Europe, and then they’ve got players competing in the URC.
“So yeah, they’ve got amazing depth.”
The four-Test series kicks off at Ellis Park on August 22 before moving to Cape Town Stadium, FNB Stadium and concluding with a rare Test at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore.
The All Blacks will also play additional matches against South Africa’s United Rugby Championship franchises.
