All Blacks Coach Dave Rennie Softens Stance After Fiery Scrum Exchange With Rassie Erasmus

• The All Blacks coach has addressed the growing scrum controversy with Rassie Erasmus ahead of another crucial clash with the Springboks
• Dave Rennie has offered fresh insight into the exchanges that have dominated attention ahead of Saturday’s highly anticipated Test
• With the Springboks and All Blacks locked at 1-1, Rennie’s latest comments have added another layer to the build-up in Johannesburg

Dave Rennie appears to have softened his stance on the Springboks scrum controversy after his earlier comments helped ignite a week of debate with Rassie Erasmus.

The All Blacks coach initially questioned South Africa’s scrum tactics following the second Test. Erasmus then responded, turning the issue into one of the talking points ahead of Saturday’s third Test at FNB Stadium.

Now Rennie appears keen to close the chapter.

Dave Rennie changes tone on Rassie Erasmus dispute

Speaking ahead of the Johannesburg Test on 3 September, Rennie played down the exchanges and questioned whether they deserved further attention.

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“Do I bother giving this any more air?” he said as reported by SA Rugby Magazine.

Rennie explained that his original remarks came after being asked about the scrum by journalists.

“It’s funny about the game … what one guy sees happening on one side of a ruck is different to what someone else sees,” he added.

Rennie also rejected the suggestion of a personal feud with Erasmus.

“Rassie and I had a beer immediately after the game, which was good,” Rennie said.

Springboks vs All Blacks rivalry moves on

Rennie said he had stopped following the coverage surrounding the dispute.

“I answered the question. I moved on,” he said.

The shift in tone comes with the series level at 1-1. Saturday’s Test could give either side the advantage before the fourth match in the United States.

Rennie also confirmed the rivals will share a charter flight next week, joking that they may not be sitting together.

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“Someone’s going to be grumpy getting on a plane, so I’m not sure we’re sitting together, but we’re certainly on the same plane.”

Despite the scrum controversy, he stressed that mutual respect remains between the teams after the intensity of their 80-minute battles.

John Smit adds another twist to Dave Rennie scrum controversy

Briefly News previously reported that former Springbok captain John Smit has weighed in on Dave Rennie’s controversial scrum comments after the All Blacks’ defeat in Cape Town.

Smit offered a different perspective on the remarks, questioning what may have driven the focus on South Africa’s scrum tactics. His comments add another layer to an already heated build-up to the Johannesburg Test.

Source: Briefly News