Rennie’s approach has not only revived the All Blacks but also reinstated a sense of strategic clarity. "I thought they really had clarity of their game, everyone understood what was required. Their start was strong, they went out with a real purpose and physicality, and the skill level," Hansen remarked on the Rugby Unity podcast.
The All Blacks showcased a formidable performance in their recent outing at Eden Park, where they defeated Ireland 40-21. This victory was particularly impressive and sets a positive tone as they prepare for an upcoming tough series against South Africa.
"They’re starting to get their timing and understanding of how they can keep the ball alive and it was pretty good to watch to be fair."
Under Robertson, the team faced criticism for being overly conservative, both in gameplay and selection. However, Rennie has brought a dynamic change, emphasizing the traditional strengths of the All Blacks, which Hansen believes is precisely what the fans desire.
There’s an evident unity and tight-knit cohesion among the players, something that Hansen feels was lacking in recent years. "It was back to our strengths of how we’ve played in the past and if they keep doing that and keep growing, I think they look tight and united as a group, which is something that’s been missing in the last couple of years," he explained.
The renewed strategy under Rennie also enhances the All Blacks' offensive options, making them unpredictable and difficult to defend against. Hansen pointed out, "I think the running game’s allowing them to kick smarter. If you look at the types of kicks they’re putting in, you’ve got Jordie Barrett putting ball in behind them, you’ve got [Ruben] Love finding 50/22s."
The concept of a 'triple threat' game - the ability to run, kick, or pass with precision - is being effectively reinstated. This approach not only pressures the opposition but also creates momentum for the All Blacks. "They’re finding space with their kicking and then forcing the opposition to readjust. Going back to the old days, we used to call that having the triple threat game where you could run it, kick it or pass it," Hansen added.
The All Blacks' performance in the Nations Championship suggests a promising future, notwithstanding the challenges that lie ahead in their South African tour. The integration of smart running lines, effective space creation, and strategic kicking is setting a new benchmark.
As they continue to refine these aspects, the All Blacks are positioned to be formidable adversaries on the international stage. Hansen concludes, "There’s still a long way to go but they’re starting to build momentum in their game around those three areas and each one of those areas feeds the other. If you get them right – your running lines are good – all of a sudden you’ve got space and you’re forcing teams to change how they defend and they’re giving you space in behind, so your kicking game comes into it. Then they become a handful."
