Dave Rennie embarked on his All Blacks coaching journey with a narrow victory over France in Christchurch, signaling a promising start despite the close scoreline. Meanwhile, England's Steve Borthwick faces increased scrutiny after another lackluster performance. Let's dive into this week's rugby highlights and lowlights.
Dave Rennie's debut as the head coach of New Zealand was highly anticipated and he did not disappoint, albeit with a slender two-point win. "We're not high-fiving yet," Rennie remarked post-match, acknowledging the tough road ahead but satisfied with the initial outcome. Key players shone under his leadership; Will Jordan scored twice following his positional switch and Ruben Love impressed in his first start at out-half, backed by a robust performance from Luke Jacobson and inspirational captain Ardie Savea.
"We're over the first-day hump," Rennie reflected, hinting at the building blocks being set for future tests.
In other notable performances, Damian Willemse celebrated his 50th test for South Africa with a standout display, crucial in the Springboks' commanding win over Australia. Rassie Erasmus has highlighted the importance of the aerial game, and Willemse excelled in this area, though a mix-up in awarding the player of the match caused a slight stir, incorrectly naming Damian de Allende instead.
Irish rugby also had its moment with Sam Prendergast turning a corner in his career. After a challenging period, he played a key role in Ireland's narrow victory over Australia, handling the pressure well and securing the win with a crucial conversion. "It's all about how you bounce back," Prendergast shared after the match, embodying the spirit of resilience.
Cam Roigard, amidst controversy in domestic competitions, proved his mettle on the international stage helping New Zealand to a victory over France with a dynamic two-try performance. His form raises the bar for what's expected in his upcoming matches.
Fiji, known for their dynamic play, threw a staggering 32 offloads against Wales, showcasing their flair but also highlighting areas needing refinement to secure wins. Their challenge remains to balance spectacular play with effective finishing.
Scotland, under Gregor Townsend, learned from past setbacks to claim a thrilling victory over Argentina. The Scots demonstrated a robust attacking strategy, which paid dividends in a high-scoring encounter, proving their ability to adapt and overcome previous disappointments.
As the international rugby landscape continues to evolve, these matches provide a glimpse into the strategies and developments shaping the future of the sport.