The All Blacks are in a state of flux, with the appointment of Dave Rennie as head coach. The Springboks legend, Schalk Burger, predicts a shake-up in the team's core, but questions the public's tolerance for change. Burger highlights the importance of an attack coach, a position that has been a point of contention for the All Blacks under Scott Robertson. He believes that Rennie's old-school, hard taskmaster approach could be a good fit for the team, despite the short turnaround and the pressure of upcoming Test matches.
Jean de Villiers, another Springboks great, agrees with Burger's assessment but is cautious about judging Rennie too early. He emphasizes the importance of a cohesive coaching team, including an attack coach who understands the players' preferences. The appointment of Tana Umaga as part of Rennie's coaching staff is seen as a potential game-changer.
Burger also points out the need for a strong locking partnership, loose forwards, and a clear succession plan for the 10 and 12 positions. He draws parallels with England's recent performance, highlighting the importance of a stable backline. The former flanker suggests that Rennie's lack of loyalty to New Zealand players, having not coached in the country for nine years, could bring a fresh perspective and potentially disrupt the core of the squad.
However, the All Blacks' fans and players have not shown much tolerance for change in the past, as evidenced by the short tenure of Ian Foster and Scott Robertson. Burger questions the definition of success for the new coach, especially with the World Cup looming. The pressure on Rennie is immense, and the public's expectations are high, leaving little room for error.
In summary, the All Blacks are undergoing a significant transformation, and Rennie's ability to adapt quickly and make the necessary changes will be crucial to their success. The appointment of a strong coaching team, including an attack coach, and addressing the team's core weaknesses are essential steps in the right direction. The All Blacks' fans and players will be watching closely, hoping for a resurgence that brings back the glory days.
