Rennie backs All Blacks scrum ahead of Springboks four-Test series

All Blacks coach Dave Rennie believes New Zealand’s scrum can withstand the Springboks when the four-Test series begins at Ellis Park on Saturday. He expects the contest against the back-to-back world champions to be more demanding than a World Cup campaign.

New Zealand have won three matches on their South African tour, beating the Stormers, Sharks and Vodacom Bulls. Rennie, however, sees the first Test as a major rise in quality, with the Springboks expected to apply greater defensive pressure and intensity than the All Blacks have faced so far.

The coach said South Africa’s scrum would be viewed as one of New Zealand’s strengths, while warning that the hosts excel at turning pressure into points. Their ability to force repeated penalties and place opponents under pressure near their own line will make discipline and accuracy central to the All Blacks’ performance.

Rennie also identified the set-piece as a key area. He expects New Zealand to be tested throughout the match but said the squad is ready to measure itself against the leading team in international rugby. The All Blacks will need to perform at their best while preventing the Springboks from reaching their own highest level.

The tour matches have allowed New Zealand to give substantial playing time to almost the entire squad. All but three members of the touring party have taken part, and several individual performances have created competition for places in the team selected for the opening Test.

Rennie expects that depth to remain important across the series. Although some strong performers will miss out when the side is named, he believes more than 30 players could be used over the four Tests. Both teams will also be roughly a year away from the next World Cup when the series ends, giving the contest added value as they assess their squads and preparations.