'It still stings': Savea targets Bok series after 'processing' RWC defeat

SPOTLIGHT: All Black star Ardie Savea says he is using the experience of losing a World Cup Final to the Boks to better himself as he sets his sights on the two-Test series in South Africa later this year.

The Springboks edged their arch-rivals 12-11 to achieve a record fourth World Cup title and their second in a row in a gripping Final in Paris last year.

Sevea, who was crowned World Player of the Year after that defeat, said he has done a lot of reflecting on that game while playing for the Kobe Steelers in Japan Rugby League One.

“It still stings a little bit not being able to win the World Cup. It’s something that I have had to process and I think of what we could have done better,” said Savea.

“It’s done now and I think for myself personally the only way to move on is to do my best for Kobe, but also look at the game against South Africa and reflect on the good and the negatives that I can learn from as a leader.

“Hopefully, I can use that to better myself and then obviously better myself in the future, wherever that takes me.”

The All Blacks will face the Springboks in Johannesburg on August 31 before they head to Cape Town for another showdown on September 7. Both matches are part of this year’s Rugby Championship, which also features Australia and Argentina.

Savea believes a two-Test series against the Boks in South Africa is the highlight of an All Black player’s career.

“South Africa is one of, if not, the biggest rivals for the All Blacks,” Savea told @rugby365com.

“We do miss playing South African teams in Super Rugby.

“Playing two Tests in South Africa is like a highlight for a New Zealand player’s career, especially in front of those crowds.

“It will be awesome to make that team and come back to South Africa and play the world champions.

“There will be a bit of sting in that too.”

Savea also made things clear when it came to his view on the “best team in the world” debate.

“South Africa are world champions and that speaks for itself,” he said.

@rugby365com