Boks v All Blacks is not a 'warm-up'
SPOTLIGHT: All Black star Ardie Savea says there is no such thing as a “warm-up” for his team as they prepare to face the Springboks at Twickenham Stadium in London.
The clash will be the last outing for both teams ahead of this year’s World Cup, which starts on September 8 with an opener between hosts France and Ian Foster’s side.
In the Rugby Championship meeting between the Boks and All Blacks in Auckland in July, the home side outplayed the reigning world champions on their way to a 35-20 win.
Friday’s encounter at Twickenham is labelled as a “World Cup warm-up”, but Savea does not agree with that choice of words.
“It’s not part of our vocabulary at the moment,” Savea told reporters in London.
“We want to go out there firing and banging.
“For me, every Test is hard, and that’s just an 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.
“Playing this game against South Africa leading up to what is next is important.”
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Savea is expecting another physical contest against the old foe.
“They [Springboks] pose a massive threat around their physicality, their threats around the breakdown.
“We’ve got to nail our structures, our game plan and be ready for things that go our way.”
Savea was also impressed with what he saw from Bok captain Siya Kolisi in the 52-16 win over Wales.
It was Kolisi’s first appearance for the Boks this season after he recovered from a knee injury.
“He’s an inspirational leader, a good friend,” said Savea.
“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.”
Source: @AllBlacks
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