James Parsons pinpoints exactly why Rennie has gone with Fabian Holland over the likes of Tuipulotu at lock: his defensive lineout work. The argument is straightforward — the Boks' lineout is a core weapon, and Holland is the All Black best equipped to disrupt it. Pairing him with Lord gives the All Blacks their tallest possible engine room, with Tupou Vaa'i at six adding a third locking option in the loose. The piece also examines the risk built into Rennie's bench, which carries no specialist lock cover. If the Boks' physicality claims one or two of the All Blacks' three locks, it could unravel — but Parsons acknowledges that if it holds, the move could prove a masterstroke by keeping the tempo high in the final quarter.
AnalysisSpringboksPlanet Rugby
Holland's lineout 'superpower' is Rennie's answer to a Springbok strength
Parsons argues Holland's selection comes down to one thing — his ability to steal lineout ball — directly targeting a Springbok strength. The piece also examines the calculated risk of Rennie carrying no lock cover on the bench.
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