In a discussion on Rennie\u2019s appointment on Sport Nation radio over the weekend, Strachan said: \u201cLet\u2019s be honest, the All Blacks\u2019 attack has stagnated over the last couple of years and it falls really nicely into Dave Rennie\u2019s wheelhouse \u2013 his structures and his ability to adapt.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s not common knowledge but I know Dave Rennie presented 100 analysis clips through the application [and interview] process and all the clips were about where the All Blacks could potentially improve from 2025. <\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s extensive \u2013 he would have spent a lot of time going through that, so I think he has a really good handle on what our DNA is and, on top of that, what areas that we are under-achieving in.\u201d<\/p>\n
The All Blacks won nine and lost three Tests last year after winning 10 and losing four in 2024. <\/p>\n
![\"Wallace](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/wallace-sititi-left-and-anton-lienert-brown-shake-hands-afte-YXGQ2Y7NLVAE5FCRMIYAMEFD74.jpg\")
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Wallace Sititi, left, and Anton Lienert-Brown shake hands after the All Blacks’ defeat to England at Twickenham last year. (Source: Photosport)<\/p>\n
A success rate of 73% is not the worst but the manner of many of the performances, including a shocking defeat to the Springboks last year, a lack of consistency and failure to develop is what ultimately did for Robertson ahead of next year\u2019s World Cup. As New Zealand Rugby chairman David Kirk succinctly said when announcing Robertson’s dismissal in January: “Things were not on track”.<\/a><\/p>\n There is a feeling among the wider coaching fraternity that Robertson felt under so much pressure to win that innovation and development took a back seat to the here and now.<\/p>\n That was probably reflected in his selections for the final Test of 2024 \u2013 a 29-11 victory over Italy in Turin<\/a> characterised by flat performances from several of his first-stringers who had already endured a long year.<\/p>\n An odd conservatism in Robertson\u2019s selections could also be seen in last November’s line-up to play England at Twickenham. <\/p>\n During his two years in the job he was always reluctant to roll the dice on an innovative bench selection and he was out-thought in this area by opposite Steve Borthwick. After leading at halftime the All Blacks suffered a familiar second-half collapse.<\/a> <\/p>\n Furthermore, the All Blacks appeared confused about their strategic direction after halftime following Beauden Barrett’s leg injury and the sinbinning of hooker Codie Taylor. The All Blacks, still leading 12-11, were awarded a penalty in England’s territory but rather than take a shot at goal or kick for touch they elected for a quick tap which resulted in an error and a loss of possession.<\/p>\n Rennie said at his announcement that the All Blacks\u2019 attack would be a major focus, with Kirk, standing alongside him, confirming Rennie\u2019s \u201cclear plan\u201d and openness to different ideas, particularly from the Northern Hemisphere, helped sway the interview panel.<\/p>\n