Jordie Barrett believes the All Blacks still have enough time to build a World Cup-winning team under new coach Dave Rennie.
NZ Rugby confirmed Rennie as Scott Robertson’s successor this week, throwing the experienced coach straight into one of the biggest jobs in world rugby with the 2027 World Cup in Australia looming.
Barrett admits he hasn’t worked closely with Rennie yet, but says the squad is looking forward to what the new era could bring.
“I haven’t spent a whole lot of time with Dave, but it’s exciting for New Zealand rugby,” the All Blacks centre said. “By all reports, he is a good man and a great coach.”
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With just over a year to prepare for the next global showpiece, some critics have questioned whether the All Blacks have enough time to settle under a new head coach.
Barrett, however, pointed to New Zealand’s recent history as proof that the timeline is not a problem.
“We went through a similar situation two years out from the 2023 World Cup with Ian Foster,” Barrett said. “We were a couple of moments away from winning that World Cup, so I think we’ve got enough time [for 2027].”
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The three-time world champions fell agonisingly short in the 2023 final, losing 12-11 to the Springboks in Paris.
Photo: Hannah Peters/Getty Images
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