The All Blacks' future under Dave Rennie is an intriguing prospect, and the recent Chiefs vs. Hurricanes Super Rugby Pacific clash has provided a fascinating glimpse into their potential playing style. While many expect a flashy, champagne-style spectacle, Stephen Donald believes the game was more about brutal, direct contact and keeping the ball in play. This raises a deeper question: what does this mean for the All Blacks' upcoming tour against the Springboks and their Nations Championship match against France?
Personally, I think the All Blacks will indeed 'morph' into a more expansive, adventurous team under Rennie. His reputation as a coach who favors a more open, dynamic style of play is well-deserved, and his time at the Chiefs, Glasgow Warriors, Wallabies, and Kobelco Kobe Steelers has prepared him for this role. The Chiefs' and Hurricanes' game showcased the importance of quick throw-ins, not setting rucks to kick, and having the energy and willingness to go for the turnover. These are all aspects that could be implemented by Rennie in the All Blacks' Test season starting in July.
What makes this particularly fascinating is the contrast between Rennie's style and his predecessor, Scott Robertson. Robertson was criticized for being too conservative, and the All Blacks' style of play in 2024 and 2025 reflected this. However, Rennie's approach is likely to be more in line with the Chiefs' and Hurricanes' game, which was a thrilling, high-energy spectacle. This raises a question: will the All Blacks' new style of play be a success, or will they struggle to adapt to a more aggressive, direct approach?
One thing that immediately stands out is the importance of energy and willingness in a team's playing style. The Chiefs and Hurricanes' ability to spark quickly and execute on turnovers was a key factor in their victory. This suggests that the All Blacks will need to focus on developing a similar level of energy and determination if they want to succeed under Rennie. However, it's also important to note that not all teams can play a style of rugby that emphasizes direct contact and quick transitions. The All Blacks will need to find a balance between their new, more adventurous approach and the traditional values that have made them a force to be reckoned with on the world stage.
From my perspective, the Chiefs vs. Hurricanes game was a microcosm of the All Blacks' potential future. It showcased the importance of energy, determination, and a willingness to take risks. However, it also highlighted the need for a balance between adventure and tradition. The All Blacks will need to find a way to blend their new, more expansive style of play with the values that have made them a rugby powerhouse. This will be a challenging task, but with Rennie at the helm, I'm optimistic that the All Blacks will be able to rise to the occasion and deliver a memorable performance on the world stage.
