Rennie sidesteps scrum controversy

All Blacks coach Dave Rennie has made it clear he has no interest in feeding a public spat over scrum tactics that has simmered through the week. CLINTON VAN DER BERG reports.

Asked directly about a week of pointed exchanges with Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus over scrum interpretations, Rennie was reluctant to add fuel to the story ahead of Saturday’s third Test at FNB Stadium.

“Do I bother giving this any more air?” he asked, before explaining his original comments came in response to a media question.

“I got asked a question in the media. I said what I thought. It’s funny about the game … what one guy sees happening on one side of a ruck is different to what someone else sees.”

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He downplayed talk of a rift with Erasmus.

“It’s a competitive environment. We’re certainly not going out of our way to create narratives,” he said.

“Rassie and I had a beer immediately after the game, which was good.

“I don’t see it as a war of words between him and I. I’ve said a couple of things, he’s said a couple of things.”

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Rennie added he had not followed any of the coverage since.

“I don’t tend to read anything, so I’m not aware there’s been more of that going on during the week. I answered the question. I moved on.”

He was equally relaxed about the prospect of flying to the US next week on the same charter as the Springboks after Saturday’s match.

“Someone’s going to be grumpy getting on a plane, so I’m not sure we’re sitting together, but we’re certainly on the same plane.”

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Rennie said the mutual respect between the teams ran deep despite the on-field intensity.

“Both sides are trying to rip each other’s heads off for 80 minutes, and when they connect, have a few beers, there’s a lot of goodwill there. It’ll be good travelling together.”

With the series locked 1-1 heading into Saturday’s match at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg, the last of three Tests on SA soil, Rennie said his side had prepared well after a rare low-travel week based in Cape Town, and were determined to seize control of the series before a fourth and final Test.

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Photo: Anton Geyser/Gallo Images