Rennie conveyed the magnitude of the upcoming tests in a press briefing, highlighting the escalated level of competition the All Blacks will face.
"We’re well aware of the quality of the side that we’ll play against and the pressure that they’ll bring,"he noted, stressing the significant step up from their recent matches.
The All Blacks have utilized their tour effectively, according to Rennie, with nearly the entire squad getting substantial playtime. This has sparked intense competition within the team.
"We’ve got a number of guys who have played a lot of footy here in South Africa and we know we’re going to have to be really good. We’re going to have to play at our best and force them to be below their best,"Rennie remarked.
The coach is enthusiastic about the upcoming matches which will see a large turnout of Kiwi supporters. He regards the series as a massive opportunity for his team to test themselves against the world's best in a high-stakes environment.
Rennie is particularly cognizant of the Springboks' strengths and anticipates they will exploit their scrum advantage. However, he remains confident in his team's capabilities.
"I think our scrum will bar up,"he asserted, acknowledging the need for strong discipline and accuracy to counter the Boks' strategic play.
Asked about the comparison between this series and the World Cup, Rennie did not mince words.
"A lot tougher than a World Cup. But it’s great, isn’t it? Both sides will be about a year out from a World Cup by the time we finish the series, so we’ll certainly learn a lot while we’re here."
This series not only represents a set of highly anticipated clashes but also a vital preparatory phase for both teams as they look ahead to the World Cup. With high expectations and the world watching, the All Blacks aim to rise to the occasion under the intense South African spotlight.
