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'Reset and look forward': Rennie warns of Springboks' response
Jaxin Daniels • August 24th, 2026 3:41 pm
All Blacks coach Dave Rennie after beating the Springboks at Ellis Park | Photo: Ron Gaunt / Photosport
All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie has urged his side to move on quickly from their opening Test win over South Africa, warning the Springboks will be better in the rematch.
New Zealand came through a demanding contest filled with adversity, but Rennie said the focus had already shifted to what comes next.
“I think it's important we don't get carried away with it, so we've almost got to reset and look forward,” Rennie said.
The coach was pleased with the way his side handled themselves, particularly the leadership shown under pressure.
“I thought our leaders did a really good job of managing various situations,” Rennie told media. “I thought we won a lot of key moments, both in defence and attack.”
He believes the experience will give the All Blacks confidence, but said they would need to improve again against a South African side expected to respond.
“I think we've learnt a lot about ourselves and so we'll grow from that,” Rennie said.
“I reckon we'll be better this weekend and I think the South Africans will be too.”
The short turnaround has left little time for recovery, review and preparation, with the coaching staff already working through the lessons from the first Test.
“One advantage when you play the same team multiple times in a row, your review is your preview,” Rennie said.
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Rennie expects South Africa to target the areas where they had success in the opening match, including the scrum and aerial contests.
“I think they'll double down,” he said.
“They'll probably feel that they had the edge at scrum time. Aerial contests, again they're very good in that area.”
The All Blacks will also have to manage several selection challenges during the week.
Anton Segner will not be available, while Ethan de Groot and Josh Lord have been ruled out after suffering concussions and entering a 12-day stand-down.
The injuries will force changes in the pack, with the All Blacks considering their options at lock and in the loose forwards.
“One option is we move Tupou Vaa'i back to lock and bring in another loose forward or we bring in a lock or have one on the bench,” Rennie said.
The opening win has given the All Blacks belief, but Rennie said the challenge now was to prove they could back it up.
“We scrambled and worked hard for each other.
"We stacked some real positive moments on top of each other.”
With South Africa expected to respond and the All Blacks facing further selection disruption, Rennie knows his side must lift again.
“We're mindful that a wounded Springbok is dangerous and so we're going to have to prepare really well and lift our game.”
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