Springboks Series Defeat Sparks Kiwi Calls for Major All Blacks Coaching Overhaul
- The Springboks’ 3-1 series win has opened a fresh debate in New Zealand over what needs to change before the next Tests
- Questions are now being asked about the All Blacks coaching setup after South Africa exposed several weaknesses during the series
- A prominent Kiwi pundit has identified specific areas and people at the centre of the debate following the Springboks’ series victory
PAY ATTENTION: Mark Briefly News as a preferred source, and our content will appear higher in your Google feed!
Source: Twitter
The Springboks’ 3-1 series victory over the All Blacks has sparked calls in New Zealand for a major coaching overhaul, with two members of Dave Rennie’s staff coming under direct scrutiny.
South Africa recovered from a 33-16 defeat in the opening Test at Ellis Park on 22 August to win the next three matches. The Springboks completed the comeback with a 43-28 victory in Baltimore on 12 September.
The result has intensified questions about New Zealand’s coaching structure, particularly after familiar problems remained evident throughout the latter stages of the series.
Speaking on the Rugby Roundtable podcast, New Zealand broadcaster Mark Watson called for changes to the coaching group.
PAY ATTENTION: You can now search for all your favourite news and topics on Briefly News.
“If you're not going to drop players, why don't we start looking at some of the coaches and start making some coaching changes?” Watson said as quoted by SA Rugby Magazine.
He then specifically questioned defence coach Tana Umaga and forwards coach Jason Ryan.
Jason Ryan and Tana Umaga questioned
Watson was particularly critical of the All Blacks’ scrum and forwards.
“What about Jason Ryan? I've never seen an All Black forward pack go backwards as much as I've seen in the last three years,” he said.
The comments come after South Africa repeatedly applied pressure at scrum time and through its set-piece game.
Watson also questioned whether Umaga should continue as defence coach, asking whether his role was based on his reputation rather than results.
New Zealand Rugby had confirmed earlier this year that Ryan and Umaga would remain part of Rennie’s coaching team through to the 2027 Rugby World Cup. Ryan was retained as forwards coach, with responsibility for the scrum and maul, while Umaga continued as defence coach.
Source: Twitter
Dave Rennie faces Bledisloe Cup test
Rennie has offered a different assessment of the series. Following the Baltimore defeat, he said the All Blacks were still “in the right direction” and had gained a better understanding of their game model.
The All Blacks scored 17 tries across the four Tests, but lost the final three matches.
Their next opportunity to respond comes against Australia in the Bledisloe Cup. New Zealand hosts the Wallabies at Eden Park on 10 October before the return fixture in Sydney on 17 October.
The timing leaves Rennie and his staff with a short window to address the concerns raised after the Springboks series.
Ox Nché earns fresh Player of the Year backing
Briefly News previously reported that Springboks loosehead prop Ox Nché had received fresh support for a potential World Rugby Player of the Year award after former England internationals Ben Youngs and Dan Cole praised his all-round contribution.
The former England stars highlighted how Nché’s influence extends well beyond his scrummaging, pointing to his carrying, tackling, mauling and work at the breakdown.
PAY ATTENTION: Follow Briefly News on Twitter and never miss the hottest topics! Find us at @brieflyza!
Source: Briefly News
