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Rennie shares update on Damian McKenzie's injury and Billy Proctor's replacement
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Dave Rennie not satisfied with All Blacks' first half as discipline issues persist
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The All Blacks ran out to a resounding 54-0 win over the Sharks at King’s Park in Durban, but head coach Dave Rennie was left unsatisfied after a slow start in trying conditions.
It took 19 minutes to score the first try through right winger Fehi Fineanganofo after the All Blacks struggled to gain control over the game from a Sharks side that was missing it’s top line stars.
Through the opening period the All Blacks were plagued by ill discipline again, with penalties inviting the Sharks to play.
Fullback Damian McKenzie had a try disallowed due to knock-on and almost had a second removed by the TMO but was saved by the water spray which proved to be ‘inconclusive’ to overrule the on-field decision.
Headed to the sheds the All Blacks held a 14-0 lead.
“We were probably frustrated with the first 40,” Rennie said of the first half.
“We gave away a lot of penalties early, struggled to get our hands on the ball.
“When we did, we looked good but we didn’t build enough pressure for long enough.
“The second half was excellent. We kicked really well. We were a lot more clinical and continued to defend well. They kicked a lot of ball, which we generally dealt well with.”
Halfback Kyle Preston scored from an impressive team effort sparked by centre Quinn Tupaea back inside the All Blacks’ half.
His midfielder partner Jordie Barrett also finished off a long-range score from multiple phases that started back inside their own half.
Rennie is well aware of the fact that slow starts like the Stormers and Sharks games cannot be replicated against the Springboks in 10 days time.
“We can’t afford to start games like we have the two games here so that will be a focus for us but a really positive last 40,” he said.
“We’ve now had five games this season. We’ve got a better understanding of the game we’re trying to play.
“We’ve shared the load and there’s good competition for spots. That’s really important heading into the tests in a couple of weeks.
“We know if we can be accurate and disciplined, the ball is going to be in play a lot and we’ll be able to apply pressure.
“Every time you turn it over or give away a penalty, you give the opposition a chance to slow the game down.”
The All Blacks will have to wait to find out the extent of Damian McKenzie’s ankle who was pulled as a precaution late in the first half, but Rennie was confident he will be available to play the Springboks.
The fullback came down from a contested catch on his ankle awkwardly and was heavily strapped by the medic team.
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