Former Wallabies playmaker Quade Cooper believes Dave Rennie landing the All Blacks coaching job after being sacked by Australia is a case of karma.
Rennie, who edged out Jamie Joseph for the role, was praised by Cooper on X shortly after the announcement, with the veteran flyhalf reflecting on the way the coach’s tenure with the Wallabies ended.
“Shout out to coach Dave Rennie. After the way he was treated by our administration in Australia, to now find himself with arguably the biggest job in rugby feels like a little bit of karma,” Cooper said.
The 37-year-old enjoyed a Test revival under Rennie in 2021 after being recalled to the Wallabies set-up following a long absence from international rugby.
Cooper believes Australia may yet regret the decision to move on from the experienced coach.
“We let one of the best coaches in the game go. Not only did we let him go, we pushed him out the door. So seeing him land on his feet like this, I’m genuinely happy for him.
“The ‘what could have been’ might still come back to bite us, especially with a home World Cup coming in hot. Funny how the universe works sometimes.”
MORE: ‘Disappointed’ Joseph breaks his silence
Rennie’s appointment sets up a fascinating subplot for next year’s global showpiece. His All Blacks side will face the Wallabies in the pool stage when the trans-Tasman rivals meet in Sydney in October.
And Cooper believes New Zealand have landed more than just a strong tactician.
“Congrats to the All Blacks for appointing not just a top coach, but a good man who understands that the game is about people first. That will play a huge role in their culture.”
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Photo: Chris Hyde/Getty Images
The post Quade: Rennie’s appointment ‘a little bit of karma’ appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
