All Blacks captain Ardie Savea is mentally and physically refreshed after his two-week break at home in Wellington but says he got “itchy feet” watching his teammates play in South Africa and is excited about joining them.
Savea – given leave to remain at home and miss the first three games of the “greatest rivalry” tour – spoke to 1News at Auckland International Airport before his journey to Johannesburg. Savea will be in the air when his teammates play the second game of the tour against the Sharks in Durban tomorrow morning.
“It’s been very important,” Savea said, of his break. “You’ve heard that I’ve been going for 19 or 20 months of non-stop footy.
“Being at home, physically, is important. You’ve still got to do the mahi. But more so the mental refresh – being away from the game, being really present at home. Just being a dad, being a husband. Doing things around the house has been really refreshing.
“I got itchy feet watching the boys in the last game. I’m excited about getting stuck into it.”
Savea, who came straight back into the All Blacks last month after helping the Kobe Steelers win a Japanese championship with All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie, hasn't been idle during his break.
Determined to do the school drop-offs and pick-ups, he has fitted his training schedule around his children which has involved 5.30am starts. Former All Blacks loose forward Victor Vito has been one of his training partners.
“The body is good,” he said, before adding: “It’s a different beast going to Africa. You can do all the training you want, and the running, but nothing prepares you for the rugby, especially at Ellis Park.
“It’s different to Super Rugby. They love their maul, they love their set piece. They love to run direct.
“There’s nothing fancy about them. It’s a physical battle. It’s good for us to be there and experience what South African rugby is all about.”
He is also aware of the critics – those who say the 32-year-old should have been with the team from the start for this most arduous of tours.
“Everyone’s entitled to their opinion and they just care – they care for the jersey,” Savea said. “I understand from a leadership point of view… but… before I’m the leader of the All Blacks, I’m the leader of my family.
“I’ve been given this time by the management and the team. For the critics – I understand it and know that they care. For me, that motivates me… I’ll prove them wrong with my actions.”
Savea, who has played 111 Tests after making his debut in 2016, said he probably would not emulate former teammate Ma’a Nonu, who is still playing at the age of 44 and has been named on the Sharks’ bench for tomorrow morning’s match.
“I don’t think so – maybe not,” Savea said, adding: “He’s such a legend of our country and our communities. It’s awesome to see him, hopefully, have a go against our boys.”
Savea will meet the team in Johannesburg with 10 days to prepare for the first Test at Ellis Park.
He said every Test against the Boks was a challenge, let alone four in a row. The All Blacks play the fourth and final Test against the world champions in Baltimore, USA.
Savea added: “There’s nothing like testing yourself against the best on their home territory to see where you stand.”
Watch Andrew Saville's interview with Ardie Savea on TV1 at 6pm.
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