With Ruben Love, pictured, shining at flyhalf and Will Jordan continuing his record-breaking try-scoring exploits, confidence in the All Blacks camp is sky-high. Photo: AFP
Coach Dave Rennie says he is "really excited" by the All Blacks' upward trajectory early in his tenure but warns a four-Test series against South Africa will be a "different beast".
New Zealand made it three wins from three in the Nations Championship with Saturday's 40-21 win over Ireland in Auckland, delivering a performance Rennie said was an improvement on the victories over France and Italy. It provided further evidence that the All Blacks are playing with greater cohesion and assurance than during the two years under predecessor Scott Robertson.
Robertson oversaw a commendable 20 wins from 27 Tests but was sacked by New Zealand Rugby bosses this year, primarily because they lacked confidence the national side was on track to reclaim their previous status as the world's best.
In all three matches under Rennie, the All Blacks have not shirked from a high-speed, largely ball-in-hand approach. More size was added to the pack against Ireland, introducing a physicality which Rennie said would be valuable against the world champion Springboks.
