Rennie blasts ‘crazy’ World Cup draw as unthinkable scenario raised
All Blacks coach Dave Rennie blasted the “crazy” 2027 Rugby World Cup draw as an unthinkable scenario was raised at his Sydney press conference.
If results go as expected in pool play next year, world No.2 New Zealand will meet top-ranked South Africa in the quarter-finals, while the Wallabies would take on England in a rematch of the epic 2003 final.
All Blacks coach Dave Rennie and Australia coach Les Kiss. AP
The All Blacks are in Pool A with hosts Australia and Rennie was asked whether throwing the October 9 clash at Accor Stadium could even be considered.
“Yeah, nil-all at fulltime,” the former Wallabies coach joked (we assume).
“Oh look, well, to me, it just highlights a crazy draw. You look at the football World Cup (this year) and the top-four ranked sides in the world played each other in the semis. (Spain vs France and Argentina vs England).
“It seems hard to believe that you have got us pitted against South Africa, potentially in a quarter-final, and the winner of that plays France (in the semis).
“But it is what it is now. It’s probably been similar before. To win a title, you’ve got to beat them all anyway, but that’s the path in front of us.”
The Springboks beat the All Blacks in the 2023 World Cup final.
The more immediate focus is Saturday’s second Bledisloe Cup clash at Olympic Park.
Rennie has named his strongest possible team for the rematch after walloping the Wallabies 50-19 in Auckland.
“We haven’t really been talking about the World Cup,” Rennie said.
“There’s no doubt we had a good edge about us last week. We came off three losses, back at home. Obviously, playing in Eden Park, where we hadn’t lost since ’94, and the Bledisloe that we hadn’t lost for 20-odd years.
“So there was a lot of expectation, and we used that. We didn’t shy away from it. We talked about it, and you know, we wanted to add to the legacy last week. And so we’ve got to make sure this week that you never let us lay secure, and so is the record of Eden Park.
Quinn Tupaea of the All Blacks beats the defence of Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii. Getty Images
“But we’ve got to make sure we do justice to the jersey, and so we put a lot of time into making sure the mindset’s right. As far as bragging rights for the World Cup, it’s so far away.
“I think by the time we get to play in pool play, it’ll just be about who’s the best on the day.”
Australia vs New Zealand, 3.45pm kickoff AEDT
Wallabies (1-15): Aidan Ross, Josh Nasser, Allan Alaalatoa, Jeremy Williams, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Rob Valetini, Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson (c), Ryan Lonergan, Declan Meredith, Harry Potter, Isaac Henry, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Max Jorgensen, Tom Wright
Reserves: Billy Pollard, Angus Bell, Massimo De Lutiis, Josh Canham, Carlo Tizzano, Kalani Thomas, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Filipo Daugunu
All Blacks (1-15): George Bower, Codie Taylor, Fletcher Newell, Scott Barrett, Fabian Holland, Tupou Vaa’i, Peter Lakai, Wallace Sititi, Cam Roigard, Damian McKenzie, Josh Moorby, Jordie Barrett, Quinn Tupaea, Will Jordan, Beauden Barrett
Reserves: Samisoni Taukei’aho, Xavier Numia, Pasilio Tosi, Shannon Frizell, Du’Plessis Kirifi, Cortez Ratima, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Rieko Ioane
Watch the Wallabies and Wallaroos in Saturday’s quadruple header. Add the Stan Sport package to watch rugby live and on demand with no ad-breaks in play
