Bold takeaway: major coaching decision confirmed and the sports week is buzzing with big questions you won’t want to miss. But here's where it gets controversial: is locking in Dave Rennie as All Blacks coach through the 2027 Rugby World Cup really the right move, given the long runway before kickoff in 18 months and the high expectations that come with it? Here’s a clear, beginner-friendly rewrite of the original report with added clarity and context.
Sports Fix: Thursday 5 March 2026
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- Sports Fix: https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/podcasts/sports-fix/
Author: Newstalk ZB (https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/author/?Author=Newstalk%20ZB)
Publish Date: Thursday, 5 March 2026, 5:39 PM
In today’s Sports Fix with D’Arcy Waldegrave and Jason Pine for March 5, 2026, the big news is official: Dave Rennie will remain as All Blacks coach through the end of the 2027 Rugby World Cup. With the tournament just over a year and a half away, the decision raises questions about whether Rennie has had enough time and opportunity to shape the team for peak performance in a global showdown. Former Wallabies head coach and current Japan coach Eddie Jones joined D’Arcy to offer his perspective on the situation.
D’Arcy also weighs in on whether the Warriors might finally have their breakthrough season this year.
Additionally, D’Arcy and Pine discuss the Black Caps’ stunning semi-final victory over South Africa from this morning, and whether there’s any chance Brodie Retallick returns to the All Blacks lineup.
Where to listen: Tune in to Sports Fix every weekday afternoon on iHeartRadio, or wherever you normally get your podcasts.
Discussion prompts: Do you think Rennie’s extended tenure will translate into World Cup success, or should the coaching plan have included a fresh direction? Are the Warriors on track for a championship push this year? What’s your take on Retallick’s potential return to the team?
