Australia coach Dave Rennie has defended Andrew Kellaway after the winger’s comments regarding New Zealand ’s air of invincibility—or lack thereof—were interpreted by some as disrespectful.
Kellaway, 25, scored the opening try in Australia’s 33-25 defeat at Auckland’s Eden Park last Saturday and proceeded to cause a stir with his post-match analysis.
The Wallabies failed to complete their comeback despite finishing the stronger of the two teams. Kellaway—who was facing the All Blacks for the first time in his career—then appeared on Sky Sports’ Big Sports Breakfast and pondered whether New Zealand’s “aura has worn off a little bit.”
It was a strong statement considering Ian Foster’s side have retained the Bledisloe Cup every year since 2003, while Australia are still chasing their first victory at Eden Park since 1986.
Kellaway’s comments led many to believe the player was being disrespectful towards his trans-Tasman opponents, but Rennie told reporters on Thursday that’s not the case: “He wasn't saying that.
“What he's saying is there's a bit of an aura around the All Blacks and he had never experienced that before because he had never played against them. For him it was a bit of heading into the unknown. He's played them once now, so now he knows what to expect.
"I assure you, we've got plenty of respect for the All Blacks. We don't fear them though, and that's going to be important again on Saturday night.”
It was evident from Australia’s flourished finish at Eden Park last weekend that fear won’t be an issue, scoring three tries in the closing stages to seal a much more competitive result.
Rennie has recalled Marika Koroibete for the second Test after he served a brief disciplinary suspension, moving Kellaway onto the opposite flank after impressing in his first Test start.
Koroibete was one of three Wallabies dropped for the first Test after breaching team protocol in a late-night drinking session, though Isi Naisarani and Pone Fa’amausili remain out of the squad.
The Melbourne Rebels star was sin binned when he last faced the All Blacks in November 2020, but Rennie said his charge has earned his way back into the team.
"He's been one of our best players. It was a tough week, but he's jumping out of his skin,” the coach added.
"He was pretty down on Saturday; it was a tough watch for him. He's really excited and he's trained superbly. Reece Hodge will testify to that. Today he was on the wrong end of a collision."
Australia will need all their strongest tools at their disposal on Saturday if they’re to end the 35-year curse at Eden Park, a game that will also serve as the 2021 Rugby Championship opener.
New Zealand were crowned kings of a restructured Tri Nations tournament last year after world champions South Africa were restricted from competing due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The All Blacks have won six of the eight Rugby Championships since the southern hemisphere tournament opened up to four teams in 2012, while Australia clinched their only such title in 2015.
Saturday’s tournament curtain-raiser has implications reaching beyond the competition, however, with the mind games well and truly underway ahead of a potential Bledisloe series decider.
Teams for second Bledisloe Cup Test
New Zealand XV: (Backs) Damian McKenzie, Will Jordan, Rieko Ioane, David Havili, Sevu Reece, Richie Mo’unga, Aaron Smith; (Forwards) Ardie Savea, Dalton Papalii, Akira Ioane, Samuel Whitelock (c), Brodie Retallick, Nepo Laulala, Codie Taylor, George Bower
Reps: Samisoni Taukei’aho, Karl Tu’inukuafe, Angus Ta’avao, Scott Barrett, Luke Jacobson, TJ Perenara, Beauden Barrett, Jordie Barrett
Australia XV: (Backs) Tom Banks, Andrew Kellaway, Hunter Paisami, Matt To’omua, Marika Koroibete, Noah Lolesio, Tate McDermott; (Forwards) Rob Valentini, Michael Hooper (c), Lachlan Swinton, Matt Philip, Darcy Swain, Allan Alaalatoa, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, James Slipper
Reps: Jordan Uelese, Scott Sio, Taniela Tupou, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Harry Wilson, Nic White, Len Ikitau, Reece Hodge
