Dave Rennie reveals Rassie Erasmus turned down pre-match meeting with officials

All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie revealed that the coaches will not be having any pre-match meetings with the match officials after Rassie Erasmus declined the meeting.

Under the new World Rugby protocols, head coaches may only meet with a referee before a Test match if both opposing head coaches accept the invitation and attend the meeting together.

Erasmus’ decision to decline the meeting appears at odds with the media approach adopted by the Springboks which has been to raise discussions around the laws.

Jaco Peyper was brought out to a press conference to explain the 30-second formation rule, while assistant Felix Jones aired the grievances of the South African club teams had against the All Blacks.

“No, no, for us to do that, we both have to agree,” Rennie told media about a pre-match meeting.

“And they sent out an email last week just to have a chat around maybe four key areas, and one of them was around the time wasting.

“And then Rassie didn’t feel there’s any need to meet. And I feel the same way to be honest with you.

“We’ve had a lot of conversations via email, and we’ve got a summary sent to us this morning, so it worked pretty clear.”

On the clash of styles and Jaco Peyper’s reference to the 30-second formation rule, Rennie wasn’t sure what he was intending but confirmed that the All Blacks experienced very slow set pieces against South Africa’s club sides.

“Look, I’m not sure. I’m not sure what Jaco [Peyper] will be referring to. We’ve played club sides where it’s been very slow, and you know, at lineouts,” Rennie told media.

“I think one of the lineouts against the Sharks took 50 seconds to set. We found against the Bulls, the Bulls had a much more positive mindset. There was a lot more ball and play. I am anticipating the Springboks will feel the same way.”