Springboks and All Blacks Seek Series Lead After War of Words

Springboks and All Blacks seek series lead after war of words

All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie lit the fuse last weekend after a 33-26 second Test loss in Cape Town, alleging the Springboks were using questionable scrumming tactics. "I think (referee) Angus (Gardner) was pretty strong around setting a mark and then trying to keep the hookers in the same sort of spacing," he said. Rival head coach Rassie Erasmus responded: "The first six scrums New Zealand had -- every one collapsed. It was reset, reset,…

Dave Rennie denies All Blacks are creating narratives ahead of crunch third test against South Africa

Dave Rennie took a deep breath, sat silent for a moment and then refused to pile more fuel on the fire.

Dave Rennie plays down Rassie Erasmus war of words ahead of pivotal Greatest Rivalry Test

All Blacks coach Dave Rennie has played down tensions with Springboks boss Rassie Erasmus after their scrum dispute, saying the third Test at FNB Stadium is now in the referee’s hands.

Rennie: All Blacks 'not going out of our way to create narratives'

Dave Rennie insists New Zealand has no interest in stirring controversy as the scrum debate rumbles on before the third Test.

The Springboks v All Blacks: The New Zealand view

The Springboks v All Blacks third and final Test decider in South Africa is as good as a World Cup final. What has the New Zealand narrative been on the eve of the biggest Test in South Africa since the series decider against the British & Irish Lions in 2021?

Dave Rennie breaks the silence on the Rassie Erasmus row after beer with Springboks Coach

All Blacks coach Dave Rennie defends against claims of media manipulation, as tensions with Springboks' Rassie Erasmus intensify ahead of the decisive Test in Soweto