Captain Ardie Savea says the All Blacks can’t afford to give the Springboks another fast start after it cost them in their 33-26 defeat in Cape Town on Saturday.
New Zealand fought back after falling behind early at Cape Town Stadium and came close to snatching a draw, but the world champions held on to level the four-Test series at 1-1.
Savea felt South Africa’s physical approach put his side under pressure from the outset.
“It’s always a physical game against the Springboks,” he said at the post-match press conference. “They came out firing at the start and we can’t let the Springboks get ahead like that.”
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The No 8 was pleased with his team’s response, but believes they need to make important adjustments ahead of the third Test at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg.
“Loved the way we responded – I thought the boys hung in there and almost stole the game away,” he said.
“We’ve got to just fix up little areas in our game and not let the Springboks get into our 22, rack points up in threes and put pressure on us. So we’ll get back to the drawing board on Monday and bounce back.”
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Savea also highlighted the unique intensity of facing South Africa.
“Every game feels like a final, especially when the Springboks are getting up, you can really feel the atmosphere,” he said.
“I guess that’s why you play – you want to be part of those moments so it’s always special to be part of a Test match against the Springboks.”
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The All Blacks skipper also paid tribute to Pieter-Steph du Toit and Ox Nché, who celebrated their 100th and 50th Tests respectively.
“What he’s done in those 100 Test matches for South Africa has been incredible and it’s probably one of the reasons they came out the way that they did,” Savea said of Du Toit.
“And Ox’s 50th. Special congratulations to them – special players, special men.”
Photo: Grant Pitcher/Gallo Images
The post Ardie admits All Blacks were under the pump appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Captain Ardie Savea says the All Blacks can’t afford to give the Springboks another fast start after it cost them in their 33-26 defeat in Cape Town on Saturday.
The post Ardie admits All Blacks were under the pump appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
