Dave Rennie becomes first Pacific Islander to lead All Blacks

Dave Rennie was named as replacement for Scott Robertson as coach of the All Blacks on Wednesday and charged with taking New Zealand to a fourth World Cup triumph in Australia next year.

The 62-year-old former Wallabies coach, the first All Blacks boss with Pacific Islander heritage, has been handed a contract through to the end of the 2027 World Cup in Australia after Robertson's surprise resignation in January.

However, he will first see out his current contract with Japan's Kobe Steelers before preparing New Zealand for their July tests against France, Italy and Ireland.

"I'm extremely proud and honoured," Rennie told a news conference in Auckland.

"I'm well aware of the expectations and responsibility of the role I'm going to be in, but I'm really excited by it."

Robertson stepped down in the wake of a critical review of his stewardship of the team last season, when the All Blacks won 10 of 13 tests but were humbled at home by the Springboks and also lost to Argentina and England.

Rennie said he was confident that New Zealand could win a fourth World Cup next year.

"It'll take a hell of a lot of work," he said. "By the time we start, we'll have about 15 months to the World Cup ...

"We need to get the athletes in the best possible position to execute and play well. It's a sprint from here."