World Player of the Year Adi Saviya says the All Blacks hope to settle some old scores when they face England next week. New Zealand’s No.8 made it clear that the home side have not forgotten the “blow on the nose” they suffered in the 2019 Rugby World Cup semi-finals and which saw them forced to settle for a 25-25 draw in their most recent match. Kenham.
Savia, who is back in the black jersey after a spell in Japan, has been impressed with England’s progress since last autumn’s World Cup but said he would be disappointed when Saturday’s two games in Dunedin begin. New Zealand will not be short of motivation when it comes to the Test series. “The last time we played them we drew, so we have a bit of history,” said Savia, who was replaced as All Blacks captain this week by Scott Barrett.
“We understand what they can bring and if we don’t step up and match up, it’s going to be a long day. That’s what happened in 2019 – we got punched in the nose and couldn’t recover. They just played against Japan The team played and performed really well, so we need to come together quickly and work together. We don’t know what they’re going to do this year, but for us, it’s just about focusing on ourselves and making sure we can do that.
Apart from losing 19-7 in the semi-finals, there is also the small matter of getting over the disappointment of last October’s World Cup final, when New Zealand lost 11-12 to South Africa in their last appearance. “I still have a bit of a sting,” Savia, 30, said at the All Blacks’ official season launch in Upper Hutt. “That’s what keeps me going right now. It’s not a feeling you want to experience. I don’t think it happens until the chaos subsides…it takes a while. But you have to stand up, learn from it and try to make sure that’s the case Never happens again.
Savia also said he would give his full support to Scott Barrett, who has been promoted to captain by new All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson. “It’s always an honor to be an All Black and we’re all here with Scott. My heart is with what’s best for the team and I will lead in my area. I can’t wait to do whatever it takes to win this series.
However, the recent performances of several English players have caught Saviya’s attention and he is ready to face a serious challenge. “From watching some clips of their games, they’re physical, they look like they’re playing with skill, and they have Marcus Smith running the game. His unpredictability is a threat, and he Has become a threat in his own right. He controls the game and they have great forwards, especially their loose trio. We’ll look into that but our focus this week is to make sure we get it right.
Savia, who hasn’t played much rugby since ending his career in Japan, made an appearance for his local Wellington club last weekend and was pictured enjoying a sausage sandwich after the game, according to reports. Sticking to the NZ$500 approach increased your visibility.
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“I haven’t played in six weeks, so it’s nice to get my lungs moving,” he said. “It’s great to be back in grassroots rugby, playing a little bit of football and playing alongside the guys I grew up with. It’s tough on the lungs and in club rugby you have a big one on your head. Big goal, but that’s good.
“Japan is great for a little change, but there’s nothing like being back home, being in a familiar place, picking up and dropping off from school, going to my local cafe. The little things you sometimes take for granted.
