New All Blacks Leadership and Selection Strategy Revealed
New All Blacks coach Dave Rennie has made a series of surprising announcements regarding the team’s leadership and selection strategy. The former Wallabies boss is currently in New Zealand, visiting Super Rugby teams while also fulfilling his commitments in Japan with Kobe.
Rennie has already finalized his coaching and high performance team, and now he has revealed that Sir Graham Henry will join the All Blacks as a selector. Additionally, NBA star Steven Adams has been involved in the process to appoint a captain.
Sir Graham Henry, who was in charge when New Zealand won the Rugby World Cup in 2011, has an impressive record, winning 88 of his 103 matches. The 79-year-old will be one of three selectors alongside Rennie and assistant coach Neil Barnes, known for his straightforward approach.
“I’m really excited to bring Ted (Henry) in as a selector,” Rennie said. “I’ve had a number of chats with him prior to applying for the job… and he did talk about the impact that Sir Brian Lochore had as a selector when he was coach and that sort of got me thinking.”
“He’s very passionate and he loves the jersey. He watches a lot of rugby and he’s got pretty strong opinions on players so the conversations we’ve had have been brilliant.”
Rennie mentioned that Henry has a list of 60 players on his selection radar. The All Blacks are set to begin their Rennie era against France in the Nations Championship in Christchurch on July 4.
Henry emphasized his commitment to the team, saying, “We’re hoping that with his eye, he may see something different to us which will help get the right people within the squad.”
During a 14-minute meeting with media in Auckland, Rennie shared details of a recent two-hour leadership video call that included Richie McCaw, Dan Carter, Tana Umaga, Keven Mealamu, and Adams, the veteran Houston Rockets centre.
“They spoke about their views around leadership,” Rennie said. “I know there will be a lot of talk about captaincy, but the ability to grow the leadership within the group is paramount to us. We’ve got to target guys that we think want to lead, and they’re prepared to challenge.”
“That will take a little bit of time. And maybe the numbers will be less than what it was previously.”
Scott Barrett captained the All Blacks under previous coach Scott Robertson but has not played for the Crusaders this year as he manages his return from injury. Rennie commented, “I’m not sure about concern being the right word.”
“Hopefully the Crusaders go well and make the playoffs and he gets back in time to wear the Crusaders jersey.”
Rennie also confirmed that star No.10 Richie Mo’unga would not be available for the July Tests or the blockbuster six-week tour of South Africa in August and September. Mo’unga is currently playing in Japan and is not yet eligible for the All Blacks under New Zealand Rugby rules.
“He’s got his head around it, he’s prepared to go and play NPC,” Rennie said. “We’ve accepted that situation and understand New Zealand Rugby’s mindset around it. We’ll just get on with it now.”
Rennie also hopes Test centurion Brodie Retallick, who plays for him at Kobe, could be convinced to come out of international retirement for next year’s World Cup in Australia. Remarkably for a lock, Retallick is the leading try-scorer in Japan’s top flight.
“He’s been the best player in Japan. It’s all the other stuff Brodie does out there that’s outrageous. He trains exactly the way he plays. I would still say Brodie is the best lock in the world,” Rennie said.
“I wind Brodie up about all the time. I know he loves the All Blacks, and I reckon he’s good enough.”
