All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie has revealed New Zealand have spoken to World Rugby over “a couple of issues” with the scrum following their bruising battle with the Springboks.
New Zealand may have emerged with a 33-16 victory in the opening Test, but the scoreboard did not tell the full story of a contest in which the Springboks caused their rivals serious problems at the set-piece.
The All Blacks conceded a number of scrum penalties and Rennie knows they cannot afford a repeat when the two sides meet again in Cape Town on Saturday.
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All Blacks speak to World Rugby
South Africa’s power at scrum-time provided them with a major platform during the opening Test, although New Zealand did earn a crucial penalty of their own during the second half when the Springboks were penalised for failing to drive straight.
Ahead of the rematch, Rennie confirmed the All Blacks have now sought clarification from World Rugby over aspects of the scrum.
“We struggled to get go-forward, so we need to be a lot better around that area,” Rennie said.
“Discipline-wise, we gave away way too many soft penalties, especially early in the game, which is disappointing because it’s something we’d spoken about; you give them an easy entry into your 22.
“So that needs to be better.”
Rennie then revealed New Zealand had taken their concerns to rugby’s governing body.
“I think scrum-wise, obviously we’ve spoken with World Rugby around a couple of issues from our point of view.
“And so we think, scrum-wise, we’ll be a lot better, and that was a massive in for them last week. They are elements we need to be better at.”
Springboks scrum in the spotlight
The comments add another intriguing subplot ahead of Saturday’s second meeting, with the scrum battle likely to once again have a significant influence on proceedings.
South Africa enjoyed long periods of dominance in Johannesburg and led 16-12 early in the second half before the All Blacks produced a stunning response.
New Zealand scored 21 unanswered points to eventually secure a 33-16 victory, but Rennie’s comments make it clear the visitors were far from satisfied with every aspect of their performance.
With the Springboks expected to target the set-piece again in Cape Town, how the scrum is refereed — and whether New Zealand can find an answer to South Africa’s power — could prove decisive.
