McKenzie was injured in a 54-0 rout against the Sharks last Tuesday. As a result, he will not participate in the upcoming match against the Vodacom Bulls at Loftus Versfeld.
"Even with Damian injuring an ankle … we’re expecting him to be OK for the Test."
Rennie expressed that while McKenzie's participation this week is ruled out, the player is likely to recover in time for a crucial test against the Springboks the following Saturday.
On Jordan's condition, Rennie shared insights into the original plans and the adjustments they've had to make. The team had first hoped for Jordan to compete in Durban against the Sharks, and when that fell through, aimed to give him some playtime this week.
"The original plan was to play him against the Sharks. When he wasn’t good for that, we thought we’d play him and even give him some game time this week, but he’s not quite right,"
However, Jordan’s readiness remains uncertain due to his back issues, though there are signs of improvement.
Rennie also highlighted the strategic call-up of Richie Mo’unga following McKenzie’s injury, underlining the necessity of having robust cover for the number 15 position due to issues arising primarily from the number 10 roles.
Further team news includes the return of Codie Taylor from a calf injury. Taylor, who missed the first two matches of the tour, will lead the team in their upcoming battle against the Bulls.
"It's obviously a pretty cool moment for Codie. He’s worked really hard and we’re stoked for him. He’s such a good man," Rennie commented on Taylor’s return and leadership.
The coach disclosed making several changes to the All Blacks' starting lineup, driven by minor injuries and the need to manage player workload. Among those, Cam Roigard was expected to have limited playtime coming off the bench but reported a slight issue during training.
Despite these challenges, Rennie remains optimistic about the strength and depth of his squad. He pointed out that many players who participated in the recent match against the Sharks are solid contenders for the Test team. Rennie believes the current group represents a strong mix of talent and opportunity, which could be pivotal in their upcoming fixtures.
The All Blacks are set to continue their campaign on the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour with a bolstered squad and strategic shifts in play to accommodate the unforeseen injuries, aiming to maintain their renowned competitive edge.
