'Such a good man': All Blacks coach praises Scotland back he gave a debut to
Rennie makes two changes to starting side for Murrayfield clash
Dave Rennie has plenty to occupy him ahead of New Zealand’s Nations Championship clash with Scotland but the All Blacks coach took time on Thursday to look back fondly at his three years in charge of Glasgow Warriors and had warm words for Kyle Steyn, who was given his debut by the Kiwi over seven years ago.
Steyn was drafted in from the Scotland Sevens squad by Rennie when Glasgow were shorn of a number of their international players during the 2019 Six Nations.
He made his bow against Cardiff away and helped the Warriors to a 38-34 win and has been a fixture in the side ever since. Steyn has also gone on to establish himself as first pick on the wing for the national team but his early appearances under Rennie were mainly at outside centre.
“I don't know if you guys remember, but when he first arrived, we played him in midfield,” said the All Blacks coach. “He played midfield ahead of some Scottish internationals and he was outstanding for us. Obviously, we used him on the wing beyond that. What I'm trying to say is he's been an excellent player for a long time.”
‘I had three great years here’
Steyn, 32, will win his 36th cap at Murrayfield on Saturday and his leadership qualities have been further burnished by Gregor Townsend naming him vice-captain for the game.
“He's such a good man,” added Rennie. “He's been really impressive and it's been nice to sit back and look from afar at a number of those guys who we had at Glasgow kick on. Maybe not so good on the weekend, hopefully.
“I had three great years here. We loved our time, great people, so it's nice to be back.”
Rennie, who took over from Scott Robertson as head coach earlier this year, has got the All Blacks playing with a bit of swagger and expects an open contest against Scotland.
“We play a pretty similar type of game,” he said. “Obviously, I know a fair bit about their coaches and about the players.”
Black armbands will be worn by New Zealand
Rennie is without several senior players through injury, including captain Ardie Savea and stand-off Richie Mo'unga, but has still been able to name a very strong side to face Scotland. The starting XV shows only two changes from the team which beat Australia 43-21 in the second Bledisloe Cup match in Sydney last month. Prop Ethan de Groot starts at loosehead in place of George Bower and the influential Jordie Barrett returns from injury at inside centre, replacing Timoci Tavatavanawai.
Asafo Aumua, Christian Lio-Willie and Anton Segner are also new to the 23 and will begin the game on the bench, alongside Bower and Tavatavanawai.
New Zealand will don their white change jersey against Scotland and it will feature a poppy in recognition of Armistice Day. They will also wear black armbands in memory of All Blacks head of security Logan Cadwallader who died suddenly in Edinburgh on Sunday morning.
“It’s been a really tough week for our group following the passing of Logan,” said Rennie. “He was one of us, and he will be very much in our thoughts as we take the field on Saturday. The boys have leaned on each other and prepared well, so we’re ready to go – we know that is what Logan would want and expect.”
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