In a press briefing leading up to the All Blacks-Sharks game at Kings Park, Rennie detailed how the Pumas dragged the Springboks into a tactical tussle, disrupting their usual gameplay and inducing errors, though the South Africans managed a narrow 17-10 victory.
"It was an arm wrestle … I think 81 kicks in the game. The Argentinians did a really good job defusing their kicking game. I guess what we saw, we are expecting to see."
Rennie underscored that while the immediate attention is on the midweek game, preparations for the Rugby's Greatest Rivalry series are already underway, with the first test scheduled for August 22 at Ellis Park.
The Sharks are bolstering their lineup with a seasoned player, 44-year-old Nonu, who, despite joining the team as a mentor, will debut from the bench. Rennie shared his thoughts on facing Nonu, a former member of his national squad.
"It’ll be different for him, won’t it? Facing the All Blacks. It’s cool, he’s a good man. I had a lot to do with him when he was a young fella and just amazing to see him still playing at this level."
Rennie remarked on Nonu's longevity and professional attitude towards the game, hinting at a personal catch-up post-game. He added with a hint of strategy, "hopefully we don’t give him too much time and space."
Despite the focus on the immediate challenges, the All Blacks' strategy seems well-poised to adapt and confront the Springboks based on insights gained from their recent performance against the Pumas. This proactive approach by Rennie and his team showcases their readiness to tackle the challenges ahead in the forthcoming intense and competitive fixtures.
