Rennie expects Springboks to double down in Cape Town Test

All Blacks coach Dave Rennie expects South Africa to intensify its set-piece and aerial approach in the second Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Test in Cape Town on Saturday. His prediction follows New Zealand’s emphatic victory over the Springboks at Ellis Park.

Rennie has warned his players not to read too much into that result. He said the All Blacks had already moved on from the win and viewed it as an opportunity to identify areas for improvement. He praised the team’s leadership for handling key moments effectively in both attack and defence, while insisting South Africa would also return stronger.

The New Zealand coach acknowledged that South Africa had caused problems in the scrum during parts of the Ellis Park Test. He described the set piece as a complicated area and accepted that the Springboks had gained the upper hand on several occasions. That experience has shaped his expectation of how the hosts will approach the rematch.

Rennie also said he had spoken to South Africa coach Rassie Erasmus after the match. Erasmus indicated that losing both wings had stretched the Springboks’ options and forced changes to the team’s structure. Rennie believes those circumstances, along with South Africa’s confidence in the scrum and aerial contest, will lead the hosts to reinforce those strengths in Cape Town.

The Ellis Park victory carried particular significance for Rennie, who regarded it as the most important success of his coaching career. However, the players involved in that Test have not yet held detailed discussions about the next match. Rennie has instead spoken with the captains, with a leadership meeting planned to establish the priorities for the week.

The All Blacks will also face the Lions on Tuesday. Richie Mo’unga is set to make his first appearance for New Zealand since the 2023 World Cup final, having been selected for the match. Rennie said Mo’unga had impressed during his time in Japan and will have the chance to challenge Ruben Love for the fly-half role.