Ardie Savea makes bold claim ahead of All Blacks vs Springboks showdown
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Just as good.
Ardie Savea believes the All Blacks have just as much quality as the Springboks as the two great rivals prepare to collide at Ellis Park on Saturday.
South Africa head into the opening Test of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry as back-to-back world champions, and the number one ranked side in the world, while they have also had the better of New Zealand in several recent meetings.
Savea has enormous respect for what Rassie Erasmus’ side have achieved, but the All Blacks captain is adamant his team should not consider themselves inferior heading into the four-Test series.
“We respect the Springboks, they’re a real class outfit, but also I believe we’re going to have just as much quality,” Savea said.
The build-up to Saturday’s encounter has become increasingly intense, with both camps exchanging views on everything from the speed of the game to the breakdown and how the contest will be officiated.
Savea, however, believes that extra edge can bring out the best in the players involved.
“The stakes are high, and there’s a lot of hype and edge around the game but, for me, I think that brings the best out of all players.”
He also acknowledged the amount of noise surrounding the fixture, but says the All Blacks are embracing the occasion.
“All that noise can either go both ways.
“We know what’s coming and we know what we need to do, but we as All Blacks love those moments, but it’s not going to be easy at all”
New Zealand arrive at Ellis Park having won all three of their provincial fixtures in South Africa, giving Dave Rennie’s squad valuable preparation before stepping up to face the world champions.
There is another significant prize on the line in Johannesburg, with New Zealand able to replace South Africa at the top of the world rankings with victory.
The Springboks and All Blacks meet at Ellis Park on Saturday in the first of four consecutive Tests, with the series then moving to Cape Town, FNB Stadium in Johannesburg and finally Baltimore.
