As Dave Rennie gears up for his first match against Australia since his unexpected exit, he insists there are no regrets or hard feelings. The All Blacks coach downplays personal narratives as his team aims to extend a 23-year winning streak at Auckland's Eden Park in the upcoming Bledisloe Cup Test.
"It's not about me. You know, I've got no regrets," Rennie expressed, brushing aside any notion of seeking personal redemption after his tenure with the Wallabies ended abruptly, paving the way for Eddie Jones' takeover before the 2023 World Cup.
"I got to work with some really good people, people I still have a lot of time for. It's just a part of the game that we're involved in. I've loved coming back here now and working with these guys [All Blacks]. We're highly motivated this week, but it's not about me."
The focus for Rennie has been on assembling a strong lineup despite recent injuries. The latest setback is a calf injury to Richie Mo'unga, sidelining the influential playmaker for both the Eden Park match and the following test in Sydney. Damian McKenzie is set to fill the flyhalf role, moving from fullback, with Beauden Barrett stepping into fullback for his first start of the year.
The starting team sees six changes from the one that faced a defeat against South Africa in Baltimore last month. Noteworthy is the return of veteran forward Scott Barrett for his 90th Test, nearly a year after his last appearance, following back surgery and being replaced as team captain by Ardie Savea.
Rennie praised Scott Barrett's return, noting his impact and leadership during training. "Scott's come back really well. Certainly, when we trained this morning, you can see his influence, his leadership," said Rennie.
The reconfigured backline will feature Leroy Carter and Quinn Tupaea, while Wallace Sititi makes a comeback to the back row. Josh Lord will join Scott Barrett in the lock positions, marking a significant reshuffle aimed at bolstering the team's performance.
This Bledisloe Cup Test not only serves as a critical challenge for the All Blacks but also a personal milestone for Dave Rennie, who remains focused on the team's success rather than his past affiliations with Australian rugby.
