All Blacks aim to eliminate threat of Wales flanker MorganGareth Griffiths - BBC
Jac Morgan was the only Welsh player to be involved in the British and Irish Lions Test winning side against Australia in 2025
New Zealand coach Dave Rennie says they have spoken about eliminating the breakdown threat of Wales flanker Jac Morgan in the Nations Championship match in Cardiff on Saturday.
The All Blacks are firm favourites to extend their 73-year winning run against Wales this weekend.
But New Zealand have identified Morgan’s contact area work as one of Wales’ main strength.
"When [Wales] chop tackle, you've got guys like Morgan who are excellent on the ball," said Rennie.
"So we're well aware of that and we'll have a focus on eliminating him before he can cause us stress, because that is a big part of their game."
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Rennie highlighted other issues that concern him about Wales.
"Their line-out has been excellent during the last year," said Rennie, even though Steve Tandy's side saw six of their throws go astray last weekend.
"Maybe it was not quite as accurate against Japan but up until then, it's been top-notch," the veteran coach added.
"They're also prepared to play and, in Tomos Williams, they have one of the best nines in the world.
"We've got to make sure we don't let him have too much space, because he's got such a high-quality kicking game and kicks off both feet.
"They've got a number of players that if we give time and space, there'll be a handful.
"They have a big midfield and absolute jets on the wing, so we know a fair bit about the enemy."
Showing Wales respect and friends reunited
Rennie has made eight starting changes from the side that defeated Scotland 43-21.
Sections of the New Zealand media say that selection reflects the lack of threat Wales pose, as the 10th ranked side in the world face the second, but Rennie does not subscribe to that view.
"Wales will be pretty fired up to put in a quality performance," he said.
“So we've picked a strong side we think will show the respect for them."
Rennie is also familiar with many of the Welsh coaching staff.
He was Glasgow coach between 2017 and 2020 when Wales duo Steve Tandy and Danny Wilson were part of Gregor Townsend's Scotland backroom staff.
Wales defence coach Peter Murchie was also part of Rennie's backroom staff at Kobelco Kobe Steelers in Japan before linking up with Tandy in the Welsh set-up.
"I know them well and they are very good, smart coaches," said Rennie.
"Pete did a phenomenal job defensively with us at Kobe, and I can see the impact he's having already. And likewise with Steve.
"It's going to take time to turn things around, but I can definitely see the impact they're having."
Principality Stadium memories
Rennie has bittersweet memories of coaching an international side against Wales at the Principality Stadium when he was leading Australia in December 2022.
Rennie masterminded a wonderful Wallabies comeback as Wales led 34-13 before the tourists scored 26 unanswered points to win 39-34.
It proved to be Rennie's final action as Australia coach. He was replaced by Eddie Jones, while the Wales boss that day, Wayne Pivac, was dismissed with Warren Gatland returning.
Rennie remembers the atmosphere that day.
"It is one of the great grounds in world rugby, with the roof on, the national anthems you've got to soak it up and enjoy it," he said.
"It can be pretty daunting, but it's special.
"We'll definitely embrace that and all the boys are excited to be here."
All Blacks look to continue seven decades of dominance
New Zealand have won the past 34 Tests against Wales in a winning sequence that stretches back to 1953, with the All Blacks scoring more than 50 points on each of their previous three visits to Cardiff over the past five years.
New Zealand and South Africa are currently unbeaten in the southern hemisphere table, competing for top spot before the play-off weekend at the end of the month.
Rennie, however, says his side are not concentrating on trying to close the points-difference gap on the Springboks.
"It's just a Test match and our focus is this week," he insisted.
"We'll probably be looking at things going into the last game, where it might be a little bit clearer around what we need to do.
"I think South Africa are about 70 points clear, so if we end up on the same amount of points, it's unlikely we'd catch them.
"There's a real danger to go out and think you need to score X amount of points, you end up overplaying and getting embarrassed.
"We've got a clear plan around how we want to play and whatever happens, happens."
Source: Sports
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