Jake White Reveals Dave Rennie’s All Blacks Plan That Gave the Springboks a Scare

• The former Springboks coach has revealed what New Zealand’s head coach told him before the All Blacks tried to take South Africa on at altitude
• Rennie had a clear idea of how his side wanted to approach the third Test, setting up a fascinating tactical battle between two very different styles
• South Africa eventually found a way through in Johannesburg, but White believes New Zealand’s early approach showed exactly what Rennie had in mind

Jake White has revealed that Dave Rennie personally told him the All Blacks intended to put the Springboks under relentless pressure when the teams met in Johannesburg.

The 2007 Rugby World Cup-winning coach said he spoke to Rennie in South Africa before the third Test and got a clear indication of how New Zealand planned to attack the world champions.

“I met with Dave here in South Africa and he actually told me they were going to run the Springboks off their feet at altitude in that third Test,” White wrote for RugbyPass.

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According to White, the All Blacks delivered on that plan during the opening exchanges.

“They looked untouchable against the best team in the world in that opening quarter and played some sensational rugby,” he added.

It was an ambitious approach given the demands of playing at altitude, but New Zealand started sharply and twice led during the contest.

All Blacks tested the Boks early

The third Test at FNB Stadium on 5 September ultimately went South Africa’s way, with the Springboks winning 29-24 to move 2-1 ahead in the four-Test series.

White believes the opening 20 minutes were evidence that Rennie’s plan was working. New Zealand attacked with pace and forced South Africa to defend repeatedly before the Springboks gradually imposed themselves through their physicality and set-piece strength.

The match produced four tries apiece, but South Africa finished stronger and secured the victory in front of almost 88,000 supporters. Rennie later acknowledged that his side had been competitive but needed to improve its discipline and execution.

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Rennie still believes All Blacks can respond

The All Blacks now head into Saturday’s Baltimore Test needing a victory to square the series. Rennie has already indicated that changes are coming, saying New Zealand wants to “bring in guys with plenty of energy and to share the load”.

The coach will also have to replace captain Ardie Savea, who suffered a shoulder injury in Johannesburg.

White’s revelation therefore offers an interesting glimpse into the thinking behind New Zealand’s approach. Rennie wanted the All Blacks to make the Springboks work from the outset — and for a while in Soweto, the plan was working rather nicely.

Jake White questions Springboks veterans before All Blacks decider

Briefly News previously reported that Jake White has questioned how much more some of the Springboks’ experienced players can give after three physically demanding Tests against the All Blacks.

The 2007 World Cup-winning coach singled out several key players, highlighting the workload they have carried during the series.

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‘They know’: Naas Botha identifies All Blacks’ big problem ahead of Baltimore decider

The issue adds another layer to Saturday’s clash, with Rassie Erasmus once again relying heavily on players who have played major roles throughout the series.

Source: Briefly News