All Blacks captain Ardie Savea says Ellis Park is the most intimidating venue in world rugby, but also the most special.
By Joe Porter of RNZ
After missing the first three games of the tour of South Africa, Savea will lead the All Blacks out on to the famous ground in Sunday morning's opening Test in Johannesburg.
Former All Blacks hooker Keven Mealamu described walking down Ellis Park's steep steps and onto the field as one of rugby's greatest experiences, describing it as "like a movie scene".
Savea agrees.
"It's probably the best place you want to play as a footy player, Ellis Park," Savea said.
"When you run out and then you see the Springbok warriors coming out and the team and then the crowd, it's pretty special."
Savea said there's something unique about playing in South Africa.
"Even just being here, I just walked past and I saw John de Villiers (former Springboks midfielder). I watched him when I was a kid. So just shaking his hand was pretty special.
"I think just being in Africa again, being able to play at Ellis Park. You always get goosebumps when you come play here."
It will be Savea's first time captaining the All Blacks at Ellis Park. He said it's always special to skipper the All Blacks, but said leading the team out onto the Springboks spiritual home will be something else.
"It's always special for me, but to do it here on this special occasion, it's even more special," Savea said.
"The Stakes are high, there's a lot of hype and edge around it. For me, I think that brings the best out of all players. We respect Springboks and the world class outfit that they are, but also, I believe we're just as quality. So, yeah, hopefully we go out there and put a spectacle on."
South Africa will be more physical than any other side the All Blacks have played this year and Savea knows the forward pack will need to be at their brutal best to allow the tourists to employ their high tempo game plan.
"Every game against the Springboks is physical and challenging," Savea said.
"It takes you to places where, you know, you can kind of question yourself, but as an All Black, that's where you want to be."
Much has been made this week of the All Blacks tactics with the Springboks coaches accusing the visitors of illegal play at the breakdown among other things.
While All Blacks coach Dave Rennie brushed off the criticism as mind games, Savea said discipline will be incredibly important on Sunday morning.
"Yeah, of course, we all know the Springboks feed off their set piece and part of that is discipline and accuracy.
"If that's not up to scratch, they'll put you down the corner, get into what their strengths are in terms of the maul and whatnot, so we've got to be accurate in our skill sets around the park."
Sunday morning's Test will be Savea's first appearance on the tour. He stayed in New Zealand for the first three games, given a much need rest after playing for 18 months without a break.
"It (the break) was such a, you know, one of those things that you don't realise you need it until you're in it," Savea said.
"Just being a dad, drop-offs, pick-ups, helping wifey where she needs me around the house. Kind of those things are taken for granted when you're always on the go, so it was really nice being present at home, but at the same time, you watch the boys and you wish you were here too."
Savea said he's now ready to go for Sunday morning's Test, which kicks off at 3:10am (NZT).
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