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All Blacks coach Dave Rennie confirms assistants

Moana Pasifika head coach Tana Umaga pictured before his team's loss to the Blues at Eden Park.

The All Blacks have confirmed Dave Rennie's assistant coaches.

Rennie, who took over as coach from Scott Robertson, will be joined by attack coach Mike Blair, defence coach Tana Umaga, forwards coach Jason Ryan — who worked with Robertson and Ian Foster — and senior assistant coach Neil Barnes.

Phil Healey would be head of performance.

"This is a very experienced and highly skilled coaching team," Rennie said.

"Each of these men has a track record of getting the best out of the players and teams they coach, and they are each hugely motivated to get stuck in and deliver the same success with the All Blacks."

Former Scotland halfback Blair currently worked with Rennie at Kobelco Kobe Steelers in Japan. He'll join at the end of the Japanese season, subject to getting a work visa.

"Neil provides outstanding leadership and strategic support; Jase has proven himself as one of the best forwards coaches in the game; Tana brings immense mana and defensive insight; and Mike will bring his innovative approach and attention to detail to our attack. I know this group will challenge and support both me and our players to bring the best out of us all," Rennie said.   

TVNZ's Scotty Stevenson first reported Umaga was in line for a position earlier this month.

"I’ve got to make sure that I do well with Moana Pasifika and respect the time that I’ve got here," Umaga said today.

"I’ll apply the same things I learned when I was an All Black in terms of 'am I going to leave Moana in a better place?' I’m here until the end of the season and we’ve still got things we want to achieve before then."

Taranaki coach Barnes has previously worked with Rennie at the Chiefs, and has international experience with Italy, Canada and Fiji, including at three World Cups.

New Zealand Rugby Interim chief executive Steve Lancaster acknowledged the efforts of the outgoing assistants — Scott Hansen, Tamati Ellison and Bryn Evan.

"They have each made important contributions to the team and I know they have all got a lot more to give as world-class coaches."

Ellison would coach the Māori All Blacks.

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