Sir Steve Hansen: Dave Rennie has found what was ‘missing’ under Scott Robertson as All Blacks create crucial ‘triple threat’

Legendary All Blacks coach Sir Steve Hansen has been impressed by their development under Dave Rennie after going three from three in the Nations Championship.

The 62-year-old faced a significant challenge in bringing positivity back to New Zealand after Scott Robertson’s sacking left them in turmoil.

So far the signs have been good following successive victories over France, Italy and Ireland, with the most recent game their most impressive display.

Rennie’s men produced a dominant performance to comfortably beat the Irish 40-21 at Eden Park to put them in a good position ahead of their massive South Africa tour.

All Blacks ‘clarity’

“I thought they really had clarity of their game, everyone understood what was required. Their start was strong, they went out with a real purpose and physicality, and the skill level,” Hansen told the Rugby Unity podcast.

“They’re starting to get their timing and understanding of how they can keep the ball alive and it was pretty good to watch to be fair.”

Robertson faced accusations of being too conservative, both in terms of game plan and selection, and Hansen insists that they are now playing the type of rugby fans have come to expect.

“It was back to our strengths of how we’ve played in the past and if they keep doing that and keep growing, I think they look tight and united as a group, which is something that’s been missing in the last couple of years,” he said.

“It’s a pretty exciting time if you’re an All Blacks fan.”

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While their stint in the Republic will provide a much greater indication of where the All Blacks stand, they were pleasing on the eye at times in the Nations Championship.

Their intent to play has been in stark contrast to Robertson’s side and Hansen believes that has opened up their kicking options as a result.

‘Then the All Blacks will become a handful’

“I think the running game’s allowing them to kick smarter. If you look at the types of kicks they’re putting in, you’ve got Jordie Barrett putting ball in behind them, you’ve got [Ruben] Love finding 50/22s,” he said.

“They’re finding space with their kicking and then forcing the opposition to readjust. Going back to the old days, we used to call that having the triple threat game where you could run it, kick it or pass it.

“They’re starting to really hurt teams and build momentum in their own game.

“There’s still a long way to go but they’re starting to build momentum in their game around those three areas and each one of those areas feeds the other.

“If you get them right – your running lines are good – all of a sudden you’ve got space and you’re forcing teams to change how they defend and they’re giving you space in behind, so your kicking game comes into it. Then they become a handful.”

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