Dave Rennie: 'We just want more out of him. He's got a clear message'

Dave Rennie has delivered a blunt explanation for the absence of Tyrel Lomax’s name in the All Blacks‘ team to play the Wallabies at Eden Park this weekend.

Lomax has been considered New Zealand’s premier tighthead prop for much of the past five years, but a recent run of injuries has hampered his form and he’s struggled to make his mark in the international season to date.

As a result, Fletcher Newell has been backed in the No.3 jersey and will square off with Australia’s Angus Bell at scrum time in Auckland before Pasilio Tosi enters the match off the bench.

Speaking with reporters after announcing his matchday 23 for the Test, Rennie cut straight to the point when addressing Lomax’s omission.

“We just want more out of him. He’s got a clear message around what we need to see, and he’s worked really hard this week. I’m sure that we’ll get a response the next time he gets an opportunity,” said the coach.

Rennie said this week’s selection was “probably the hardest side we’ve had to pick”, with three selection meetings required to finalise the 23-man list.

Another man who missed the cut after that discussion is reigning World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year Fabian Holland, who was beaten to the post by Josh Lord and the returning Scott Barrett.

“That was one of the tough decisions,” Rennie reflected when asked about the second-row selections. “Obviously, we’re really happy with how Josh Lord has gone. He had limited involvement in South Africa after getting knocked out; he had a 12-day stand-down, which took him out of Tests two and three, then he came back in via the bench.

“We’re lucky there; we’ve got some really good options, and he (Holland) is unlucky to miss out.”

With both Ardie Savea and Luke Jacobson unavailable for selection, a new loose forward trio needed to be assembled, and selectors ultimately landed on Tupou Vaa’i, Peter Lakai and Wallace Sititi. While Lakai is no stranger to the No.7 jersey, it will be his first run at openside flanker for the All Blacks.

“He’s been excellent for us,” Rennie said of the 23-year-old. “He’s a genuine post-tackle presence, a great athlete. He’s not a massive man, but he’s really good at getting his body in front, whether it be in the clean-out or the tackle. And he’s got a big engine, so we’re really confident with that. We’ve got Anton (Segner) on the bench, who can easily slide into that role as well.”