Dave Rennie said it would be a "sprint" as New Zealand prepare for next year's Rugby World Cup
Dave Rennie has been appointed the new head coach of New Zealand, becoming the first person of Pasifika heritage to lead the side.
The 62-year-old replaces Scott Robinson, who was sacked in January after two years following high-profile losses to South Africa, Argentina and England as well as reports of tension between senior players and All Blacks staff.
At a news conference in Auckland announcing his appointment, Rennie's opening words in Maori were "Kia orana koutou", which translate as "hello to all" or "hello everyone".
Pasifika heritage encompasses the indigenous peoples of Polynesia, Melanesia and Micronesia, with Upper Hutt-born Rennie having Cook Islands links through his mother.
