All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie is calling for some understanding as he works on building his team's depth, a necessity highlighted following a less than stellar performance against the Stormers. Recently stepping into the role after Scott Robertson's tenure, Rennie has kicked off with a trio of wins in the Nations Championship. Still, the true challenge lies in the upcoming matches.
Rennie gave several fringe members and two newcomers a shot in the recent game, though they faced tough opposition from the Stormers, who kept the game close. This move has sparked discussions around the All Blacks' depth, which some believe pales in comparison to the Springboks.
"That's what we're working on," Rennie stated. "Rassie's been doing that for eight years, we're a couple of months into it, but we've brought over a good squad and not a lot of the guys that played on Friday had big minutes in the Test series."
Rennie expressed satisfaction with the tough playing time these squad members received, anticipating improvements from the experience. He also hinted at significant lineup changes for the upcoming game against the Sharks, noting such tours are beneficial for assessing and developing player depth, especially with an eye toward the upcoming World Cup.
Rennie's approach diverges slightly from Robertson’s, who aimed for four players per position. However, Rennies's selections, including debuts for Siale Lauaki and Josh Jacomb, suggest he values seeing players in action to make informed decisions.
"What a great moment for those guys, you play your first game for the All Blacks. They got to wear the jerseys, sing the national anthem, do the Haka and then play in a fantastic stadium," Rennie reflected.
Lauaki, despite an initial struggle, was impactful in his final scrum, hinting at his potential growth. Jacomb, on the other hand, displayed remarkable composure during his brief time on the field. Both are expected to gain more minutes as the tour progresses. Rennie was also pleased with Rieko Ioane's performance, noting his versatility and contribution during the game.
The New Zealand media have been critical of the All Blacks' performance, particularly against the Stormers, hinting at a need for improvement if they are to compete effectively against the Springboks. The upcoming games will be crucial for Rennie to fine-tune his squad and deepen the team roster in preparation for the more formidable challenges ahead.
With the World Cup on the horizon, the importance of these developmental opportunities cannot be understated. The All Blacks' upcoming encounters will not only test their current strategies and player form but also define their readiness for world-class competition.
Ultimately, Rennie's tenure is still in its early days, and the rugby world is watching closely to see if his approach can bring the All Blacks back to their best form. The journey to the World Cup is filled with such pivotal moments, and every game, every selection counts.
