Sam Cane, the former All Blacks captain, has shed light on Dave Rennie's strategic approach to facing South African teams in Super Rugby. Cane, who worked closely with Rennie at the Chiefs, reveals that Rennie's selection strategy was centered around identifying and utilizing players with exceptional chopping tackling skills. This approach, according to Cane, was aimed at getting the larger, more physically gifted South African players on the ground quickly, thereby avoiding the wrestle and battle for dominance at higher levels. While this tactic was employed over a decade ago, it remains relevant today, as the Springboks continue to rely on their power game and gain-line dominance. Cane suggests that Rennie might adopt a similar strategy for the upcoming four Tests against South Africa, with Luke Jacobson's impressive performance under Rennie's guidance serving as a potential indicator. However, Cane also challenges the notion that the Springboks have an inherent advantage when playing at altitude. He argues that while the highveld may present challenges, only a few teams are actually based at high altitudes, and the impact of altitude is felt equally by both sides. The All Blacks will face four of their eight tour matches in South Africa at altitude, including the Tests at Ellis Park and FNB Stadium, as well as matches against the Bulls and Lions. This perspective offers a fresh insight into the dynamics of the Rugby's Greatest Rivalry (RGR) Series, highlighting the strategic considerations and the psychological aspects that can influence the outcome of such high-stakes matches.
