Rennie confident Jordan, Roigard will be fit to face Springboks
Rennie Confident Jordan and Roigard Ready for Springboks Showdown
All Blacks Captain Set for Return in Johannesburg
Bharatmorningnews.com – New Zealand head coach Dave Rennie has voiced strong confidence that wing Will Jordan and scrum-half Cam Roigard will be fully fit for the opening Test against South Africa. The focus keyword phrase "Rennie confident Jordan Roigard will" captures the sentiment as the coach prepares for what promises to be a challenging encounter at Ellis Park in Johannesburg next Saturday.
Both players missed portions of the All Blacks' recent victories over South African opposition, including matches against the Stormers, Sharks, and Bulls. Their absence from the tour has been linked to injury concerns, but training updates suggest a positive outlook for their availability.
"Will and Cam have come through a training session, so we are confident they will be fine. We just want them to have a full week of training," Rennie explained during his media comments in Pretoria on Saturday. This assurance comes as welcome news for selectors weighing their options for the crucial Test series.
The coach's optimism followed New Zealand's completion of a three-match winning streak against South African teams since the tour began. The tourists secured a commanding 50-19 victory over the Bulls, marking their third consecutive win against local franchises and building momentum for the upcoming challenge.
This result came just days after the All Blacks delivered a dominant 54-0 performance against the Sharks in Durban on Tuesday. The back-to-back substantial victories have provided the squad with confidence heading into the Test series, though Rennie cautioned that the Springboks will present a different level of challenge.
Team Updates and Selection Considerations
While Jordan and Roigard appear on track, Rennie acknowledged some uncertainty regarding Damian McKenzie. The versatile player, capable of operating at both full-back and fly-half positions, remains under observation as the coaching staff evaluates their options.
"We are less confident about Damian, but there is still a good chance he will be available. We are expecting all three of them to be available," the head coach noted. This statement reinforces the positive trajectory for the squad's key players ahead of the Test match.
Captain Ardie Savea, who has not featured in the tour matches so far, is also on the team's radar. The No. 8 has been managing a demanding schedule and is currently resting. Despite his absence from recent fixtures, Savea is anticipated to lead the side in the opening Test at Ellis Park.
Another notable arrival is utility back Richie Mo'unga, who has come in as a replacement for injured center Billy Proctor. Proctor was compelled to return home due to his injury, creating an opportunity for Mo'unga to contribute to the squad.
"Richie arrived late last night. He is very excited and jumping out of his skin. He has already done a fair amount of study to understand our game," Rennie shared about Mo'unga's enthusiastic arrival. The coach clarified that Mo'unga will not be selected for the first Test but will receive playing time against the Lions on the following Tuesday.
Looking Ahead to Springbok Challenge
Reflecting on the comprehensive eight-try victory over the Bulls, Rennie acknowledged that the current squad differs from what will be fielded in the Test match. The coach emphasized the importance of maintaining performance levels as the team transitions from tour matches to the main event.
"This was certainly not our Test side this evening, there will be a number of changes," he stated. "We have played reasonably well on tour, and to put 50 points on a very good Bulls side is a positive." This balanced assessment highlights both achievements and areas for improvement.
The coach praised the Bulls for their competitive approach, noting that they "really took it to us" despite the result. However, he emphasized that the team must elevate their performance for the upcoming challenge against the hosts.
"The Springboks will come much harder at us and we know we will be up against three, four, five times the quality," Rennie concluded, setting expectations for a formidable challenge from the hosts. With Jordan and Roigard likely to feature, New Zealand will be eager to build on their tour success.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the first Test match between New Zealand and South Africa? The opening Test is scheduled for next Saturday at Ellis Park in Johannesburg.
Which players are expected to return for the Test match? Will Jordan, Cam Roigard, and potentially Damian McKenzie are all expected to be available for selection.
What is Richie Mo'unga's role in the upcoming fixtures? Mo'unga will not be selected for the first Test but will receive playing time against the Lions on Tuesday.
How has New Zealand performed on tour so far? The All Blacks have won three consecutive matches against South African teams, including victories over the Bulls and Sharks.