Dave Rennie’s elevation to All Blacks coach should worry Springbok fans, writes MARK KEOHANE.
Writing for the Sunday Times, Keohane argues that Rennie’s appointment is not just another change in New Zealand’s coaching box but a reminder of a career pattern in which his teams have consistently dismantled South African opposition.
His record, from junior rugby to Super Rugby and the international stage, shows a coach who understands how to disrupt South African systems.
Rennie first made that impact with New Zealand U20, winning three straight world titles between 2008 and 2010. In the 2010 semi-final his side hammered South Africa 36-7, before crushing Australia in the final.
“When his teams are organised, physical and confident, they are very comfortable against South African rugby.”
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The pattern became more pronounced at the Chiefs. Between 2012 and 2017 Rennie’s sides beat South African teams 18 times in 24 matches and won back-to-back Super Rugby titles. The Stormers still remember the brutality, including a 60-21 quarter-final demolition at Newlands in 2016.
Even with the Wallabies, Rennie found ways to unsettle the Springboks. His Australia team beat the world champions three times in four Tests played in Australia between 2021 and 2022.
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Keohane believes Rennie’s formula is simple but effective: “physically matching South African teams, absorbing pressure and exposing South African rush defensive systems.”
The All Blacks have not appointed a caretaker. They have appointed a coach who knows exactly how to challenge South African rugby – and has spent much of his career proving it.
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