Dave Rennie Counters Springboks Claims, Submits Video ‘Evidence’ of All Blacks Concerns to Officials

• Dave Rennie has responded to concerns raised by the Springboks before Saturday’s massive Ellis Park Test, with the All Blacks also putting their own case before the officials
• The All Blacks coach has revealed a move taken behind the scenes ahead of the highly anticipated Johannesburg clash, adding another layer to the build-up
• With both teams preparing for their first Test of the series, Rennie’s latest comments have brought fresh intrigue to an already closely watched encounter

All Blacks coach Dave Rennie has hit back at the Springboks after South Africa raised concerns about New Zealand’s tactics ahead of Saturday’s first Test at Ellis Park.

Springboks assistant coach Felix Jones previously said South African management had received feedback from the Stormers, Sharks, and Bulls after their matches against the All Blacks. Rennie revealed that New Zealand had also raised concerns with officials and submitted video clips ahead of the Test.

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“Yeah, look, we sent in clips of concerns that we've got. I am sure they've done the same thing,” Rennie said, as reported by KickOff.

All Blacks submit video clips to match officials

Rennie made it clear that the All Blacks had their own issues to place before match officials.

“I am not sure why they are trying to air that stuff in the media. I've got no plans of sharing any of the clips we've sent in with the media,” he added.

Jones had earlier identified the breakdown as one area of concern for the Springboks, saying the franchises had experienced players entering rucks with “tucked shoulders”.

The exchange comes just one day before the highly anticipated Test in Johannesburg on Saturday, 22 August 2026.

Kick-off is scheduled for 17:10, with both camps having now flagged concerns with the officials before the opening match.

The focus will turn to how those concerns are handled once the Test begins.

Rassie Erasmus faces fresh scrutiny before All Blacks Test

Briefly News previously reported that Rassie Erasmus had been accused of “running a little scared” by New Zealand Herald writer Gregor Paul, who questioned the Springboks coach’s approach to officiating and match tactics.

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Paul warned that Erasmus’ actions could make the rivalry “toxic”, while also suggesting that Dave Rennie’s arrival had changed the dynamic between the two coaching camps.

Source: Briefly News