Rennie warns All Blacks of fivefold intensity rise against Boks

New Zealand’s 50-19 victory over the Vodacom Bulls has not changed Dave Rennie’s assessment of the task ahead. The All Blacks coach believes the intensity and quality of next Saturday’s Test against the Springboks could be three to five times higher than anything faced on tour.

Rennie said his team had produced useful periods against the Bulls, but needed to raise their standards significantly at Ellis Park. He was particularly pleased with the way New Zealand’s attacking pressure forced the Bulls’ defenders into difficult choices.

The match also gave the All Blacks experience of playing at altitude, which Rennie regarded as valuable preparation for the first Test. He felt the effort required in those conditions would help the squad deal with the demands of the South Africa fixture.

Selection decisions remain unresolved in several positions, with Rennie confirming that the Bulls performance would influence some of the final choices. Will Jordan and Cam Roigard are progressing well and are expected to be available for the Ellis Park Test. Damian McKenzie is less certain but remains considered a strong possibility once training resumes.

Richie Mo’unga has returned to the group after arriving late on Friday, but Rennie ruled him out of Test selection for this week. The fly-half is instead being considered for a return in the midweek match against the Lions.

Captain Codie Taylor also highlighted the importance of staying composed when placed under pressure. The Bulls had periods in which they trapped New Zealand inside its own half, and Taylor expects similar situations to feature regularly against South Africa. He said the team’s ability to respond together in those moments will be important when the Test series begins.