Dave Rennie's debut as head coach of the All Blacks has been met with acclaim, particularly for his precise role assignments to the loose forwards in a match that showcased their skills against France. Chiefs captain Luke Jacobson, wearing the number seven jersey, overcame early penalties to deliver an impressive performance that did not go unnoticed by former All Black greats.
Jacobson's resilience and skill execution under pressure were highlighted by All Blacks legend Jeff Wilson. "He performed when the spotlight was on him," Wilson noted, emphasizing Jacobson's tough and industrious play that lived up to the high expectations of his jersey number.
"Dave Rennie described him as tough; that’s exactly what he was in this game: hardworking, industrious and then there were some really subtle touches which showed his class,"
Wilson added during his analysis on Sky Sports NZ’s Breakdown show.Mils Muliaina, another former All Black, praised Rennie for the clear definition of roles within the back-row, which allowed players like Ardie Savea and newcomer Peter Lakai to excel in their respective positions. "All three loosies played different parts of that loose trio role, and Jacobson worked really hard defensively," Muliaina remarked, appreciating the tactical clarity provided by Rennie.
Stephen Donald drew parallels between Jacobson's playing style and that of Sam Cane, noting his physical presence on the field. "Jacobson will probably stand out even more when it is a tighter, more confrontational game because he is there to be that physical big defender presence," Donald observed, suggesting that Jacobson embodies the same hard-hitting defensive qualities as Cane.
The discussion also turned towards the potential for changes in the loose trio lineup given the demanding schedule ahead, especially with four consecutive matches against the Springboks. "This is an attritional sport," Wilson pointed out, highlighting the physical demands of the upcoming games.
Concluding the debate, Muliaina reiterated the importance of the clearly defined roles Rennie has established for his players. "One thing we have established now is we’ve defined the roles of those particular positions. Every player will bring something a little bit different, but right now what Luke Jacobson has done defensively, man, he was good," Muliaina concluded, signaling a positive start to Rennie's tenure as head coach.