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All Blacks captain praises surprise leader who 'took control' in France thriller
at One New Zealand Stadium, Christchurch
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All Blacks captain Ardie Savea sure understands when a quality opposition is in town, and Saturday’s Nations Championship clash with France proved Fabien Galthié’s understrength side is one of those.
The first Test at One New Zealand Stadium in Christchurch, won by the All Blacks 34-32, featured six lead changes, with both teams looking like they could clinch the Nations Championship fixture.
Dave Rennie’s side played with strong intent with ball in hand, highlighted by only six kicks in the first half, but, at times, chanced their arm a bit too much for the new head coach’s liking.
The visitors missed the class of Antoine Dupont and Louis Bielle-Biarrey, but Galthié was proud of his side’s efforts, showcasing the depth they possess.
In the post-match press conference in Christchurch, Savea explained what was said during the tough periods and that one player stood out in the meetings.
“Yeah, I thought the rest of the leaders in our team really stepped up and ran our circles, and when we got put on the pressure again,” Savea said
“Ruben [Love] took control, really direct in his messaging and what we needed to do next, so like Ren’s said, really proud of the mindset and the effort.”
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On what could be improved on heading to Wellington to face Italy next week, the now full-time All Blacks captain pinpoints some accuracy.
“Just a few little skill sets and accuracy that we need to fix, and yeah, we’ll be on our way and build on that.”
Savea, who returned from a short-term, one-year sabbatical from Rennie’s Kobelco Kobe Steelers in Japan, had a slight scare in the warm-up, going down and looking ginger as the preparations concluded.
“Got a knock to a nerve on my groin, and my thigh went numb, but it came right, so yeah.”
Having played 106-Tests, the powerful loose-forward knows what it’s like to run out in the black jersey for the first time, and on their special night, he thought they all stepped up.
“Yeah, I thought the guys that played their first test match were outstanding. Came on, did their job and had a few good carries,“ Savea said in Christchurch.
“I’m just really pleased for them and their families.”
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