Rennie Says 'No Regrets' Over Wallabies Axing as He Faces Australia for First Time as All Blacks Coach

Dave Rennie says he holds no bitterness toward Australian rugby as he prepares to face the Wallabies for the first time as All Blacks coach in Saturday's Bledisloe Cup opener at Eden Park. The 62-year-old coached Australia for three seasons before being sacked in early 2023 to make way for Eddie Jones, just eight months before the World Cup. Asked on Thursday whether he had a point to prove, Rennie was emphatic, saying the occasion was not about him and that he had worked with good people he still respects. He described his dismissal as simply part of the game he is involved in, adding that he has loved returning home to coach the All Blacks and that his side is highly motivated. The buildup has been dominated by an injury crisis in the New Zealand camp. With Richie Mo'unga tearing his calf in training on Tuesday, Damian McKenzie shifts to flyhalf and 145-Test veteran Beauden Barrett starts at fullback for the first time this year, while former captain Scott Barrett returns at lock nearly a year after his last Test. Australia, unbeaten in six under Les Kiss, have not beaten the All Blacks at Eden Park since 1986 and have not held the Bledisloe Cup since 2003.