McKenzie reveals Rennie's halftime altitude plan as All Blacks outlast Springboks at Ellis Park

The All Blacks claimed a commanding first-Test victory over South Africa at Ellis Park in Johannesburg, winning the second half 21 points to three after absorbing a ferocious Springbok opening quarter — and Damian McKenzie says that was exactly the plan.

Head coach Dave Rennie used the halftime break to urge patience, trusting that the pace of the game and the demands of altitude would eventually expose the Springbok pack’s limitations. New Zealand trailed by just one point at the interval despite South Africa throwing everything at them in the opening 40 minutes.

“South Africa threw a lot of punches in that first half. To be losing by one point after the first half was pretty good, to be fair,” McKenzie told reporters after the final whistle. “But the message was just to stay patient, trust our game plan, and just to get back into our work. We knew there were opportunities through playing at altitude, so the lungs start to hurt a little bit late in that second half.”

The All Blacks had arrived in South Africa promising a fast, expansive game, a deliberate tactical choice against a Springbok side built on physicality and set-piece dominance. The strategy paid off as New Zealand gradually took control, with even the Ellis Park crowd — a notoriously hostile environment — falling quiet as the momentum shifted.

“It’s very rewarding. We’ve been planning for this tour, and this first Test, for a long time,” McKenzie said. “Obviously, South Africa are leading the way, the world’s best at the moment. So, to come away with a great win is extremely satisfying. We’re extremely proud of that effort.”

Despite the victory, McKenzie was quick to temper any sense of complacency. New Zealand still have three Tests remaining on the tour, beginning with a midweek fixture against the Lions before a second Test in Cape Town.

“We obviously know that there’s three more Tests, so we’ve got to keep our feet firmly on the ground,” he said. “Test rugby’s not easy, and to win over here at Ellis Park is no mean feat. South Africa are too good a team to just sit back, and they’ll throw everything at us next week.”

The win was built on resilience as much as attacking intent. South Africa’s dangerous attack created problems throughout, and McKenzie acknowledged the defensive performance was not always convincing. But the All Blacks’ ability to absorb pressure and strike when opportunities arose in the second half proved the difference — a blueprint Rennie will hope his side can replicate as the tour intensifies.