'They've thrown down a challenge and we're accepting it': Rennie opens up on haka 'disrespect' sledge

Wallabies coach Dave Rennie has revealed World Rugby 'agreed with their concerns' regarding the crunch time-wasting call in the opening Bledisloe Cup loss.In a now infamous decision, referee Mathieu Raynal pinged Bernard Foley for timewasting in the dying stages of Australia's 39-37 loss in Melbourne.The decision devastated Wallabies fans, divided the sport and sparked a disagreement between Rennie and All Blacks coach Ian Foster after the game, who called it "very clear cut".Rennie said a 'please explain' issued to World Rugby after the Test produced a concession the Wallabies playmaker was harshly treated."They agreed with our concerns," Rennie said."We seeked (sic) a bit of clarity. We've got that. It's not going to help us win on the weekend," he said."We've decided to take it on the chin and move on."The Wellingtonian Wallabies coach was in a defiant mood on Thursday as he unveiled the team to take on the All Blacks on Saturday at Eden Park.As well as revealing the World Rugby mea culpa, he also called out All Blacks star Reiko Ioane for trash-talking his players, particularly replacement hooker Folau Fainga'a in the aftermath of the loss."Rieko Ioane had a lot to say to our boys after the final try, mouthing off at Folau Fainga'a around disrespecting the haka," Rennie said."Which is a bit odd because as New Zealanders would know, when a team does a haka you respond with a haka."We don't have the luxury of having a haka so our response is (to get) in the boomerang shape and to move forward. They've thrown down a challenge and we're accepting it."Rennie said the Wallabies would continue to confront the haka with their boomerang formation and advance, a custom both national sides have adopted to respond to the 'challenge.'"Is the expectation that we just stand there, they throw a challenge at us and we do nothing? Just take it?" he asked."We think it's a very respectful way of responding, and it's unique to us because of the boomerang shape. We won't be stopping that."The fighting words will only add to the explosive atmosphere expected at a sold-out Eden Park on Saturday night.The All Blacks were already fuming at Wallaby lock Darcy Swain's cleanout of Quinn Tupaea, which ruptured a ligament in the All Black's left knee and ended his season.New Zealand have plenty of motivation too, hoping to prolong a 36-year unbeaten streak over Australia at their house of pain and claim a Rugby Championship.Rennie has given Foley another shot as playmaker on Saturday night after a powerhouse display in Melbourne."I thought it was a hell of a performance for a guy who hadn't played internationally in three years and hadn't had a game of footy for three months," Rennie said.The Wallabies have made two changes, with fit-again lock Cadeyrn Neville and No.8 Harry Wilson replacing injured pair Matt Philip (sternum) and Rob Leota (achilles) in the run-on side.Neville and Wilson come into the forward line, with Matt Philip and Rob Leota (achilles) dropping out due to injury, and Rob Valentini moving to blindside flanker.Click Here: rugby store