All Blacks superstar Jordie Barrett believes that despite the 2027 Rugby World Cup kicking off in 18 months, new coach Dave Rennie has enough time to mould his
New Zealand Rugby announced Rennie as their new head coach until the end of the 2027 global showpiece in Australia. It leaves the Kiwi little time to find his feet in the high-pressure environment, but Barrett is backing Rennie’s processes and preparation.
“I haven’t spent a whole lot of time with Dave, but it’s exciting for New Zealand rugby,” the 29-year-old told AAP.
“By all reports, he is a good man and a great coach.
“We went through a similar situation two years out from the 2023 World Cup with Ian Foster. We were a couple of moments away from winning that World Cup, so I think we’ve got enough time [for 2027].”
Rennie raised eyebrows this week when he claimed he would be arriving pitchside with “no loyalties”, implying that each player will have to earn their place in the All Black setup regardless of any current status quo.
Scrumhalf Cam Roigard, who has been the frontrunner for the No.9 jersey in the recent past, is looking forward to this approach.
“There’s obviously particular players that in terms of a leadership role expected to, I guess, be in the All Black side,” he told reporters.
“I guess others have to earn their right. From a fresh perspective, it’s great. There’s no agendas, because everyone’s got to earn their spot. They’ve got to perform.
“From an All Black perspective, you want the All Blacks players playing their best footy for the All Blacks. If we’re picking on form, then there’s no reason why we can’t get that. I guess it will be interesting to see how it all unfolds come June or July.”
The All Blacks begin a new era on 4 July against France in Christchurch.
