All Blacks' Belief Key to Upsetting South Africa, Says Coach Rennie

New Zealand coach Dave Rennie has emphasized that belief will be the key factor for his team if they are to upset hosts South Africa in Saturday's first test. The All Blacks are set to face the top-ranked Springboks at Ellis Park, a stadium Rennie acknowledged as almost a 'Mecca' for the South African team.

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Belief is a massive part of it when you’re going to Ellis Park to play the Springboks, it's almost their Mecca but we're really excited by the challenge.

Rennie stated that while the team has had a good preparation period, including three wins against provincial opposition during their tour, they must elevate their performance both mentally and physically. He stressed the need for unwavering belief when playing at Ellis Park against a formidable opponent like the Springboks.

"Belief is a massive part of it when you’re going to Ellis Park to play the Springboks, it's almost their Mecca but we're really excited by the challenge," Rennie told a press conference. He added that the team knows they must be at their absolute best, maintain discipline to prevent easy entry into their territory, and execute with high accuracy.

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We know we're going to have to be at our best. We know we're going to have to be disciplined, so we don't give them easy entry into our 22 and going to have to be really accurate.

The coach also noted the unique advantage of having an extended build-up to the test series, allowing him more time to work with the squad. This extended period has enabled the team to immerse themselves in the culture and game model Rennie is developing, fostering confidence that they will leave the tour in a much stronger position ahead of the World Cup. The intense competition for places within the squad, with 44 players on tour, has led to outstanding individual performances and made team selection a difficult process.

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There'll be times when it's an arm wrestle and we’ll need to bar up for a big chunk of the game, but it's test rugby, and we know the Springboks will ask a lot of us.