New All Blacks coach Dave Rennie says Rassie Erasmus has had a major influence on rugby and expects the Springboks head coach to produce “a few curveballs” when the rivals meet in a four-Test series.
New Zealand begin their tour against the Stormers in Cape Town on Friday, with Rennie preparing for his first series against the world champions since taking charge of the All Blacks.
Erasmus has overseen a dominant period for the Springboks over the past eight years, while Rennie is attempting to establish a fresh era of sustained success in New Zealand. The All Blacks have made an unbeaten start under their new coach, accompanied by a noticeable return to a traditional, high-tempo style of play.
Speaking before the match, Rennie acknowledged the wider influence of his South African counterpart.
“Our focus is on the provincial games at the moment, but Rassie’s a big personality in the game, and he’s had a lot of influence,” said Rennie.
“He (Erasmus) is very innovative around what he’s done, and the fact that a lot of people talk about our game is a positive thing, and he’s been a big part of that over the last eight years.
“We’ll expect a few curveballs coming in the series, and we’ve got a few plans ourselves.”
The Stormers have named 11 players from the team that won the United Rugby Championship in their matchday 23 for the meeting with New Zealand.
Among them are Evan Roos and Ntuthuko Mchunu, both of whom were included in the Springboks’ squad earlier this year. Rennie believes the opportunity to impress Erasmus could provide additional motivation for players hoping to force their way into the international set-up.
“Rassie has shown that he’s prepared to take a punt on good young players coming through, and he’s used an enormous amount of players already this year.” Rennie commented.
“I would imagine that everyone is excited to perform well and apply pressure or get their name in the hat,” Rennie added. “I’m sure it’s a motivating factor for them.”
The Stormers-All Blacks match kicks off on Friday at 19:00 in Cape Town.
Stormers: 15 Warrick Gelant, 14 Seabelo Senatla, 13 Ruhan Nel (captain), 12 Jonathan Roche, 11 Leolin Zas, 10 Yaqeen Ahmed, 9 Imad Khan, 8 Evan Roos, 7 Hacjivah Dayimani, 6 Deon Fourie, 5 Connor Evans, 4 Adre Smith, 3 Neethling Fouche, 2 Andre-Hugo Venter, 1 Vernon Matongo.
Replacements: 16 JJ Kotze, 17 Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18 Sazi Sandi, 19 Ruan Ackermann, 20 Keke Morabe, 21 Wandile Mlaba, 22 Dewaldt Duvenage, 23 Wandisile Simelane.
All Blacks: 15 Josh Moorby, 14 Leroy Carter, 13 Billy Proctor, 12 Anton Lienert-Brown, 11 Rieko Ioane, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 Cortez Ratima, 8 Wallace Sititi, 7 Peter Lakai, 6 Simon Parker, 5 Patrick Tuipulotu (captain), 4 Fabian Holland, 3 Pasilio Tosi, 2 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 1 George Bower.
Bench: 16 Asafo Aumua, 17 Ollie Norris, 18 Siale Lauaki, 19 Sam Darry, 20 Ethan Blackadder, 21 Kyle Preston, 22 Josh Jacomb, 23 Caleb Clarke.
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