Dave Rennie wants scrum debate put aside
Dave Rennie says the All Blacks must improve at scrum time but does not want controversy over the Springboks set-piece
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All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie says New Zealand must improve at scrum time against the Springboks but does not want the set-piece controversy to dominate the build-up to Saturday’s fourth Test in Baltimore.
Dave Rennie addresses All Blacks scrum concerns
New Zealand struggled at times in the scrum during their 29-24 defeat at FNB Stadium, including a decisive first-half set-piece that resulted in a penalty try for South Africa.
Rennie acknowledged the All Blacks were badly beaten on that occasion but maintained that New Zealand and match officials do not always share the same interpretation of scrum incidents.
“We can talk about scrums, but clearly our view and the view of World Rugby and the officials is different,” Rennie said.
He added that the All Blacks ultimately have to adapt to how referees are interpreting the contest.
“They don’t see it the way we do and they’re the ones that matter on game day, so we will have to be better.
“I think on our ball the scrum was reasonably solid. We got it badly wrong on one and got punished with one of their feeds.
“It’s a weapon for them and that’s the challenge. We want high continuity. If you make an error, they get to go to a set-piece, they get a penalty off that and then they march up the field.
“It’s still an area we are going to have to be better in.”
All Blacks raise scrum issues with World Rugby
New Zealand have discussed their concerns with World Rugby during the series, particularly around the Springboks’ scrummaging approach.
Rennie said there had been agreement on some areas but not all, while also questioning whether the current focus on the hooker’s brake foot could make it harder for referees to assess other technical aspects.
“We’ve said a few things and we have spoken to World Rugby about it. They agree in some parts, but not necessarily on everything.
“To be honest, the sole focus at the moment seems to be the [hooker’s] brake foot. I reckon if referees are looking for the brake foot, they don’t see all the other things you are supposed to be looking at".
