Dave Rennie is bracing for a fierce Springbok response in Cape Town next Saturday after his side closed out a 33-16 win at Ellis Park that flattered New Zealand in the final scoreline. The All Blacks trailed 16-19 with the Springboks dominating large portions of the opening hour before a pivotal scrum penalty swung the momentum decisively in the visitors' favour.
"There was nothing in that game," Rennie said. "I know the score might sound convincing, but it was an absolute arm wrestle at 19-16. We defended and defended and then we were clinical and we got our opportunities — a great result for us but wary of the response that we'll get next week."
The All Blacks coach pointed to territory conversion as the defining statistical difference on the night. "South Africa are the best in the world, they score five-and-a-half points every entry and tonight I think was 0.9, whereas we were 3.7 — I reckon that's big stats. We were able to convert when we got down there and they weren't, and I'm sure that'll be a massive focus for them next week."
Rennie also credited his side's composure in the ten minutes before halftime, when they absorbed sustained Springbok pressure without conceding a point, and highlighted moments in the second half where scramble defence prevented the hosts from extending their lead. "A couple of times where they could have hurt us and [we] managed to get people back and create a turnover."
Captain Ardie Savea pointed to the team's mental discipline at key moments, including the decisive scrum. "We talked about being composed under tight moments — all I can ask for as a leader is just everyone do their job, and everyone did that."
New Zealand travel to Ellis Park on Tuesday for their final midweek fixture against the Lions before heading to Cape Town, with Rennie noting the scheduling challenge ahead. "There are a number of guys who are going to have to play again on Tuesday and then back up again on Saturday, especially with a couple of injuries tonight."