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Stephen Donald believes Dave Rennie must steer the All Blacks away from Scott Robertson's imitation of the Springboks. South Africa, the reigning world champions, have set a new standard in rugby, reshaping the game's dynamics under Rassie Erasmus. Donald argues that Robertson's approach strayed from New Zealand's traditional strengths. He references Sir Steve Hansen's recent comments about not needing to replicate South Africa's strategies, particularly regarding bench splits and hybrid players.
Donald emphasizes that Rennie should focus on bringing back speed and tempo to the All Blacks' playstyle. He points to the successful tactics of the Hurricanes and Chiefs, suggesting that blending this with the toughness of the Crusaders could yield a formidable team. The All Blacks face a crucial season ahead, with the Greatest Rivalry series and a tour of South Africa on the horizon.
Despite concerns about fewer South African teams in competitions like the Champions Cup, Donald maintains that depth and talent remain strong under Erasmus. He underscores the importance of having a cohesive 23-man squad ready to perform, regardless of club-level dynamics. The upcoming matches will be pivotal in determining New Zealand's direction as they aim to reclaim their status in the rugby world.
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