All Blacks boss Dave Rennie still searching for the perfect game despite Sharks' drubbing

All Blacks boss Dave Rennie still searching for the perfect game despite Sharks' drubbing

The tourists spent the opening quarter defending against a largely toothless Sharks attack, then ran in two tries to take the half 14-0. But the All Blacks hit their staps in the second stanza to run in six more unanswered tries.

While it was a vastly improved performance from the Stormers' tussle on Friday, Rennie is all too aware that the Springboks will be a different beast altogther and they will need a complete performance to compete with the world champions.

"We were probably frustrated with the first 40," said the coach, as per RugbyPass.

"We gave away a lot of penalties early, struggled to get our hands on the ball. When we did, we looked good but we didn't build enough pressure for long enough.

"The second half was excellent. We kicked really well. We were a lot more clinical and continued to defend well. They kicked a lot of ball, which we generally dealt well with.

"We can't afford to start games like we have the two games here so that will be a focus for us but a really positive last 40.

"We've now had five games this season. We've got a better understanding of the game we're trying to play. We've shared the load and there's good competition for spots. That's really important heading into the tests in a couple of weeks.

"We know if we can be accurate and disciplined, the ball is going to be in play a lot and we'll be able to apply pressure. Every time you turn it over or give away a penalty, you give the opposition a chance to slow the game down."

The All Blacks next face the Bulls in Pretoria on Saturday.

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