Bulls expected to provide All Blacks’ toughest test of tour, says Rennie

The Bulls are expected to provide the All Blacks with their most demanding challenge yet on New Zealand’s Greatest Rivalry tour when the teams meet in Pretoria on Saturday, according to head coach Dave Rennie.

New Zealand have won their opening two matches of the tour, overcoming the Stormers in a closely fought contest last Friday before producing a more dominant display against the Sharks in wet conditions in Durban on Tuesday.

Rennie believes the Bulls will present a different level of difficulty, with the South African franchise widely regarded by New Zealand as the strongest club side in the country.

“The Bulls have consistently been South Africa’s best franchise side, making the United Rugby Championship finals in four of the last five years,” said Rennie when naming his team to face Johan Ackermann’s side.

The fixture will be staged at Loftus Versfeld, a venue Rennie considers among the most challenging in world rugby.

“Loftus Versfeld is one of the most formidable rugby grounds in the world, so we are aware of the challenge in front of us and excited about what lies ahead.”

The All Blacks coach also stressed the significance of the match because it is New Zealand’s final game before their opening Test against the Springboks in Johannesburg on 22 August.

“This is also our final hit-out before the first Test match against the Springboks, so it is an important game for us,” said Rennie.

The encounter will also give several players another chance to strengthen their claims for selection before the Test series begins. Rennie said there remained strong competition for places in the All Blacks squad.

“There is healthy competition for Test spots, so it is another opportunity for players to put their hands up for selection.”

New Zealand’s two previous tour matches have offered contrasting tests. Their meeting with the Stormers was a tight examination, while the victory over the Sharks came in difficult, wet conditions in Durban.

Rennie’s comments underline the importance the All Blacks attach to facing the Bulls before turning their attention to the Springboks. The Pretoria match is the third fixture of the tour and the final opportunity for players to impress before the first Test.

The All Blacks will take on the Bulls at 19:00 on Saturday.