All Blacks coach commits to expansive style at Rugby World Cup after second thrashing of Wallabies
SCMP · 1 SOURCESabout 5 hours ago2 MIN

Summary
New Zealand coach Dave Rennie has pledged to maintain his team's expansive, attacking style at next year's Rugby World Cup after the All Blacks delivered another impressive performance, thrashing Australia 42-21 at Stadium Australia on Saturday for their second consecutive victory over the Wallabies . The result marks a significant turnaround for New Zealand, who suffered a 3-1 series defeat to South Africa earlier this year. Rennie dismissed suggestions that his team should adopt a more conservative approach, citing the Springboks' success with their physical style as a model New Zealand should avoid. Hong Kong will make their Rugby World Cup debut next year in Pool A, facing both Australia and New Zealand in what promises to be a challenging campaign.
Key Points
- The All Blacks scored six tries in a dominant first-half display that left Australia struggling to respond
- Coach Dave Rennie stated the team would not abandon their high-tempo, width-based approach despite the risks involved
- Hong Kong are scheduled to open their Rugby World Cup campaign against hosts Australia on October 1, followed by a match against New Zealand two weeks later
- The city side also face Chile in Pool A alongside Australia, New Zealand, and Hong Kong
- Australian coach Les Kiss described his team's performance as "unacceptable" following the heavy defeat
Why It Matters
For Hong Kong rugby fans, the All Blacks' emphatic return to form provides a glimpse of the calibre their team will face in their historic World Cup debut. With Australia and New Zealand both committed to expansive, attacking styles, Hong Kong's opening match against the Wallabies on October 1 will serve as an important barometer of their competitiveness at the highest level of international rugby .
For Hong Kong rugby fans, the All Blacks' emphatic return to form provides a glimpse of the calibre their team will face in their historic World Cup debut. With Australia and New Zealand both committed to expansive, attacking styles, Hong Kong's opening match against the Wallabies on October 1 will serve as an important barometer of their competitiveness at the highest level of international rugby .