Rennie Breaks Down All Blacks' High Ball Tactics Ahead of Bledisloe Showdown

Dave Rennie is vocal about the challenges all international teams face with high kicks, pointing out that even the Springboks are not as dominant as they used to be under pressure.

Since the conclusion of the 2023 Rugby World Cup, skepticism has lingered regarding New Zealand's ability to handle high balls effectively. Under former coach Scott Robertson, this weakness was frequently exploited, notably by Rassie Erasmus' Springboks during their encounters.

Significant Improvement Against Australia

However, in their latest outing, the All Blacks displayed marked improvement in the air during the first Bledisloe Cup clash, securing a commanding 50-19 victory over Australia at Eden Park. This improvement was pivotal in dominating their opposition, and Rennie suggests it reflects an ongoing evolution in tactics.

“When it comes to receiving high balls, no team globally has a firm grip on it, including South Africa,” Rennie stated during a press conference. “The teams taking to the skies with their kicks are the ones that are finding more success in reclaiming possession.”

Statistically, only about 25% of kicks are caught cleanly by the receiving teams, underlining the unpredictability and chaos that often reign in aerial battles.

"In last week’s game, we focused our kicking strategy heavily and won a significant share of those aerial contests," Rennie explained. "Our goal has been to charge forward into the air during contests rather than retreating, which can give us an edge in reclaiming possession." He added that one of their tries stemmed from Will Jordan’s ability to track back and win a high ball, demonstrating the efficacy of their new tactic.

Strategic Adjustments and Selection Dilemmas

This aerial focus isn’t just a last-minute habit but part of their tactical training. Rennie noted, “Anyone venturing close to a blocker can face penalties, which can be frustrating because they’re often soft calls,” emphasizing the risk involved in executing their strategy. “It's a tactic we've worked intensively on, and it’s certainly not unfamiliar to many teams on the field today.”

Another factor influencing tactics is player selection, as the All Blacks continue to experiment with their backline. While Scott Robertson frequently shifted the make-up of the back three, Rennie is now facing similar challenges, exacerbated by injuries. Leroy Carter, who impressed with kick chases in the previous game, will sit out the upcoming match due to a high ankle sprain, creating an opening for Josh Moorby to step in on the left wing.

Rennie’s decision to start Moorby over the seasoned Rieko Ioane reflects a necessity to adapt to the high ball contest, as both players' capabilities greatly affect the team's aerial effectiveness. "When you look at our wing strategy, contesting for high balls has heavily influenced our recent focus," Rennie acknowledged. "Ioane is a tremendous athlete, and he’s certainly in the running for selection, but we’re anticipating a significant volume of high kicks from the Wallabies." He expects the kicks will be shorter and contestable, necessitating a lineup tailored to that specific challenge.

Looking Ahead: Bledisloe Cup Tactical Showdown

The progression showcased in the recent Bledisloe Cup performance serves as a significant morale boost for the All Blacks, offering them the opportunity to build on newfound confidence heading into their rematch with Australia. A win here not only reinforces their dominance in this storied rivalry but also propels them into favorable positioning ahead of potential clashes against top-tier teams in future tournaments, including the next World Cup qualification phases.

As both teams gear up, the effectiveness of aerial strategies will continue to define their preparations and outcomes. That's the reality of modern rugby: aerial dominance shapes matches. Hopefully, with adjustments in place, Rennie and the All Blacks can harness this crucial component to secure their legendary place in the game.

READ MORE: All Blacks team: Five takeaways as Damian McKenzie could leave Rennie with a tough decision ahead of the repeat Bledisloe clash