Rassie Erasmus wary of Dave Rennie's physical All Blacks and lifts lid on new referee protocols

Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus is bracing for an epic four-match Greatest Rivalry series against a rejuvenated All Blacks side under Dave Rennie. Photo: AFP

Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has taken note of the All Blacks’ form under new coach Dave Rennie and is expecting a Rugby's Greatest Rivalry series that is “as tough as it gets.”

The Kiwis opened their Nations Championship campaign with a hard-fought victory over France, and last week beat Italy 47-17 in a match that drew a tirade from coach Gonzalo Quesada, who was unimpressed with the match officials.

Erasmus had a comment on both Rennie and Quesada at his team announcement press conference in Durban on Monday. The Boks play Wales on Saturday at Kings Park (kick-off 5.40pm).

“I coached against Dave Rennie when I was with Munster, and he was at Glasgow,” the Bok coach said.