Compiled by Dylan Bettencourt
- Dave Rennie says four Tests against world champions South Africa will be tougher than a Rugby World Cup campaign.
- The first Test is at Ellis Park on Saturday, with three more matches in Cape Town, Johannesburg and Baltimore.
All Blacks coach Dave Rennie believes four straight Tests against the Springboks will be tougher than a Rugby World Cup.
New Zealand face the world champions at Ellis Park on Saturday in the first match of their four-Test series.
Rennie said World Cup finalists play seven matches but the quality of opponents can vary.
“But facing the Springboks will be great,” he said. “Both sides will be about a year out from the World Cup when this series finishes, so we will certainly learn a lot.”
South Africa beat New Zealand 12-11 in the 2023 World Cup final in Paris.
The teams could meet again in the quarterfinals of the 2027 tournament in Australia.
New Zealand prepared for the Test series by beating the Stormers, Sharks and Bulls.
Rennie said those matches allowed almost his entire touring squad to get game time and created serious competition for places.
“When we name our side for the first Test we are going to leave out some really good players,” he said.
The Springboks enter Saturday’s match chasing a 13th straight Test victory.
Rennie said New Zealand could win the series but would have to stop South Africa from controlling matches through their scrum and set pieces.
“They force back-to-back penalties and put you in a corner,” he said. “They are the best in the world at turning that pressure into points.”
Rennie said discipline, accuracy and strong set pieces would be crucial for the All Blacks.
After Ellis Park, the teams meet in Cape Town on 29 August.
The third Test will be at the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg on 5 September before the final match in Baltimore, United States, on 12 September.
Pictured above: David Rennie.
Image source: All Blacks/Instagram
