Dave Rennie defends All Blacks selection after historic Wales defeat

Dave Rennie has defended his decision to rotate New Zealand’s team against Wales, insisting the players selected were capable of winning despite their historic 35-28 defeat in Cardiff.

The All Blacks coach made 10 changes to his matchday side, including eight starters, after beating Scotland 43-21. The intention was to manage his squad before facing England and the Nations Championship finals weekend.

Instead, New Zealand suffered their first defeat by Wales since 1953. Rennie stood by his selection, but said the coaching staff’s decisions would also come under review.

Dave Rennie stands by his All Blacks selection

“We had a good enough side to win,” Rennie said, as reported by the Associated Press.

Wales scored two early tries in each half, leaving New Zealand chasing the game. The visitors recovered to draw level at 21-21 at half-time, but could not repeat that comeback after the break.

Rennie’s assessment was that New Zealand created sufficient opportunities but failed to finish them. However, defending the players he picked did not mean excluding the coaches from scrutiny.

According to the official All Blacks post-match transcript, the review will cover preparation, selection and the timing of substitutions, alongside the players’ performance.

Turnovers and poor decisions prove costly

Rennie identified nine first-half turnovers, four arising from offloads. His concern was the decision-making and execution, rather than abandoning an attacking approach he considers a strength.

He also felt New Zealand became too predictable late in the game. They sometimes moved possession away from favourable attacking positions, then carried into crowded areas when space had opened elsewhere.

Wales’ speed of possession caused problems at the other end, while their defence repeatedly denied New Zealand a route back.

The All Blacks were held up over the line three times as Wales protected their lead. Captain Beauden Barrett described the defence as feeling like a brick wall.

Our Wales vs New Zealand match report covers how Steve Tandy’s side ended the 34-match losing sequence.

England next, with a final place at stake

New Zealand remain top of the Southern Hemisphere standings on 22 points, one ahead of South Africa.

A bonus-point victory over England would guarantee their place in the Grand Final on 29 November. A win without the bonus point could leave them dependent on South Africa’s result against Ireland and the tiebreaker.

AP reports that Codie Taylor, Fabian Holland, Cam Roigard, Damian McKenzie and Jordie Barrett are among those likely to return against England. Those recalls have not yet been confirmed.

Rennie’s immediate task is to turn the chances his side created in Cardiff into points at Twickenham. Selection will attract attention again, but the execution was where he believed New Zealand fell short against Wales.

Follow the build-up through our international rugby coverage.