All Blacks seek to curb threat from Wales flanker Morgan

New Zealand's All Blacks have introduced eight new starters for the upcoming test against Wales, after the side that beat Scotland 43-21.

New Zealand media have suggested the changes reflect a view that Wales, ranked 10th in the world, pose little threat to the second‑ranked All Blacks, but coach Rennie said he does not share that assessment.

"Wales will be pretty fired up to put in a quality performance," Rennie said, adding, "So we've picked a strong side we think will show the respect for them."

Rennie is also well acquainted with members of the Welsh coaching team, having been Glasgow's coach from 2017 to 2020 when Wales duo Tandy and Danny Wilson worked on Gregor Townsend's Scotland staff.

Defence coach Peter Murchie also served under Rennie at Japan's Kobelco Kobe Steelers before joining the Welsh set‑up, and Rennie praised both coaches, saying, "I know them well and they are very good, smart coaches. 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."