Dave Rennie Reacts As All Blacks Bounce Back From Springboks Defeat With Wins Over Wallabies
- New Zealand coach Dave Rennie praised his team's character after two commanding victories over the Wallabies
- The All Blacks produced a stunning first-half display in Sydney, scoring six tries to lead 36-7 at the break
- Veteran fullback Beauden Barrett returned to form and crossed for two tries after being sidelined during the South Africa series
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New Zealand have responded emphatically to their 3-1 Rugby Championship series defeat to South Africa, dismantling Australia twice in as many weeks with performances that underlined their renewed intent
A week after a 50-19 demolition of the Wallabies in Auckland, the All Blacks delivered another clinical display in Sydney on Saturday, running out 43-21 winners to seal the back-to-back victories.
All Blacks Turn on the Style in Sydney*
The first half in Sydney was a statement of intent. New Zealand crossed for six tries before the interval, building a commanding 36-7 lead that left Australia with little hope of recovery. Coach Dave Rennie was effusive in his assessment of what his side produced during those opening 40 minutes.
"That was excellent," Rennie said. "A lot of stuff that we did well last week, we were able to put 40 minutes of that together. Quality of the carry, winning races and brutality around the clean-out, and then quality of the decision making, the pass selection to put people in space. I thought we were really clinical."
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Despite his satisfaction with the overall result, Rennie expressed mild frustration at a less disciplined second half. "I'm proud of the character and the courage," he said. "But disappointed that we weren't as clinical. I think if we'd scored a couple early, it would have really put the foot on the throat."
Barrett Seizes His Opportunity
One of the more compelling subplots from the two-Test series was the resurgence of fullback Beauden Barrett. The 147-Test veteran had found himself largely on the periphery during the recent "Rugby's Greatest Rivalry" series against South Africa, but injuries to other squad members created an opening and Barrett delivered, crossing for two tries in Sydney.
Rennie credited Barrett's experience and composure as a significant asset to the squad. "It just highlights how fortunate we are," the coach said. "Beauden's experience, communication, the quality of his decision-making is excellent. It's great having him in the mix."
The victories over Australia offer New Zealand a timely confidence boost as they look to rebuild momentum following their series loss to the world champions.
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Source: Briefly News
