Ardie Savea stripped to his underwear as he gifted a spectator his shorts after New Zealand’s Rugby Championship win over the Springboks. Photo: EPA/KIM LUDBROOK
All Blacks won’t say friendly ahead of clash with Springboks
All Blacks stalwart Ardie Savea insists that they will have nothing but full-blooded effort on their minds against the Springboks.
Ardie Savea stripped to his underwear as he gifted a spectator his shorts after New Zealand’s Rugby Championship win over the Springboks. Photo: EPA/KIM LUDBROOK
There is no such thing as a friendly between the Springboks and the All Blacks.
All Blacks stalwart Ardie Savea insists that they will have nothing but full-blooded effort on their minds ahead of their final tune-up for the Rugby World Cup.
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Friendly not in the All Blacks vocabulary
Every match between the Springboks and All Blacks is part of a unique rugby legacy and must be respected according to Savea.
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“It’s not part of our vocabulary at the moment. We want to go out there firing and banging,” Savea said.
“For me, every Test is hard, and that’s just internal gut feel I put upon myself, and the standard in every game is hard and tough and you want to get prepared for that and playing this game against South Africa leading up to what is next is important.”
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The All Blacks are well aware that they will need to be sharp to best the Springboks.
“They pose a massive threat around their physicality, their threats around the breakdown, so we’ve got to nail our structures, our game plan and be ready for things that go our way,” Savea added.
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Savea thrilled to see Springboks skipper back
Savea didn’t expect to see Siya Kolisi in the Springboks squad for the Rugby World Cup but is chuffed for the man he counts as a mate.
“He’s an inspirational leader, a good friend,” Savea said.
“To see him come back after his injury at such a fast rate, it’s a miracle pretty much.
“It’s awesome that he’s there and I know he plays a massive part in their culture and lifting the boys. It’s good for Siya.”
Savea opened up on the threat that red cards or ill-discipline could pose to teams RWC hopes saying that he hoped they would come through a tough Test without any sanctions.
“It’s footy so sometimes you get it wrong so, hopefully, this weekend we can go out there and nothing comes of it,” Savea commented.
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