All Blacks complain to World Rugby over Springboks scrum
All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie has formally complained to World Rugby regarding the scrummaging tactics used by the South African Springboks. Rennie expressed frustration over officiating and indicated that the team needs to improve their discipline and contact area performance.
Why it matters
The complaint highlights the high-stakes nature of international rugby officiating and the strategic pressure between top-tier teams.
Springboks scrummaging and All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie.
All Blacks boss Dave Rennie expects his message to World Rugby about the Springboks scrum to do the trick as he admits they need to improve in certain areas this weekend.
New Zealand were dominated in the set-piece in the opening half with Ethan de Groot, Codie Taylor and Tyrel Lomax regularly being sent into reverse.
Although George Bower did a better job at loosehead when he came on for De Groot, it wasn’t until later in the match when the momentum truly switched at the scrum.
It is no doubt an area South Africa will target again, but the tourists were evidently frustrated about the way it was officiated at Ellis Park.
While the head coach did not divulge exactly what was said, he does think that their issues will be resolved.
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