The All Blacks have wrapped up their preparations for their first Test against the Springboks with an impressive 50-19 win over the Vodacom Bulls, but coach Dave Rennie says they will need to lift their intensity when they face the world champions in Johannesburg next Sunday.
The All Blacks ran in eight tries against the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria to complete the opening phase of their South African tour with three wins from three.
Rennie says there were plenty of positives from the performance, particularly at set piece, with the All Blacks making significant progress in their scrum following their 38-21 win over the Stormers in their opening tour match.
He says the side created plenty of opportunities against the Bulls, making 11-line breaks to one, although he believes they still left some points on the field.
All Blacks captain Codie Taylor says the Bulls tested them at times, but the team knows the physicality and intensity will rise significantly when they meet the Springboks.
Taylor says the forward pack has made good progress during the tour but admits they are still not the finished product.
The three warm-up matches against the Stormers, Sharks and Bulls have also given the All Blacks valuable exposure to South African rugby ahead of the four-Test series against their traditional rivals.
Attention now turns to the fitness of Damian McKenzie, Cam Roigard and Will Jordan ahead of the first Test.
Rennie says Roigard and Jordan are expected to be available, while there is more uncertainty around McKenzie as he continues his recovery from an ankle injury.
Meanwhile, Richie Mo'unga has arrived in South Africa after earning his first All Blacks call-up since the 2023 Rugby World Cup final.
However, Rennie has confirmed Mo'unga will not be considered for the first Test against the Springboks as he needs time to familiarise himself with the team's systems after spending three years playing in Japan.
Mo'unga could instead make his return to the All Blacks against the Lions four days after the opening Test.
The All Blacks will take on the Springboks next Saturday at 3am.
Source: Super Sports
