It would be offensive to Wallabies fans,many of whom were incensed less by Saturday’s loss than their perception Rennie had disrespected an Italy team on the rise by making 11 changes to the side that lost by one point to France. In their view,Rennie reaped what he sowed.
Renewing him,no matter how the tour finishes,would devalue the jersey and enrage fans. A few months before the 2011 Rugby World Cup,John O’Neill extended Robbie Deans’ contract. The Wallabies were belted by the All Blacks in the semi-final and Deans limped through the next two years,criticised heavily by the heartland,before bowing out after a series loss to the British and Irish Lions. Let Rennie be judged on the World Cup – the north star by which he has made every decision to date – or move on him now if there is a better option.