'I just want everyone to know we got his back': Ardie Savea on head coach Ian Foster
All Blacks No 8 Ardie Savea has thrown his support behind Ian Foster ‘100 per cent’ after the All Blacks secured a 35-23 win over the Springboks at Ellis Park in Johannesburg.
After a 26-10 defeat to South Africa last week, the visitors were under siege for the latest string of results which saw the side slip to a worst-ever fifth place in the World rankings.
When asked if the improved performance by the team was for Ian Foster, Savea explained that it was for everyone but he personally supports his head coach unequivocally.
“It was for all of us, but for me personally that is for my coach,” Savea told media in the post-match press conference.
“I back him 100 per cent side-by-side. He’s been under a lot of pressure but I know Foz doesn’t want to make it about himself.
“I just want everyone to know we got his back, all the players have got his back. He’s a great coach, got great coaches beside him so we back him 100 per cent.
“I hope everyone that listens, that reads this, back us, because we gone get it.”
The No 8 had a fast start into the game by breaking away down the left hand side after a cross field kick by David Havili, he busted through the tackle of Jesse Kriel on the outside and almost went the distance.
An infringement at the ruck by fullback Damian Willemse led to a yellow card but the All Blacks could not capitalise with 14 men as the Springboks held ground and kept them out.
The All Blacks also showed desperation in defence with a cover tackle by Jordie Barrett on Pieter-Steph du Toit saving a would-be try at the other end shortly after.
Savea said the desperation of the side played a part in turning round the result, with the forwards stepping up to nullify the Springboks’ pack.
“I think it was probably our desperation and our want in the boys to go out there and perform,” Savea said.
“We knew that our forward pack had to front up in order for us to get the W.
“We knew they were going to drive and come at us and we felt like we nullified that a little bit.
“I’m just pleased after everything that has been going on to come away with the boys and get the win.”
The All Blacks showed improvement in all the areas they had troubled with in Neilsprit, with the elevation of Ethan de Groot and Tyrel Lomax to the starting side helping shore up the scrum.
The Springboks pulled third string hooker Joseph Dweba off after just 29 minutes to try and gain back some ascendency at the set-piece while all the South African prop replacements came on with five minutes remaining in the first half.
They also showed improvement in the aerial game with Jordie Barrett getting some assistance from the ground to catch the high balls safely, while the All Blacks’ attack sparked into life with the promotion of Richie Mo’unga at No 10.
In the quest for answers, Savea said the internal belief never wavered in the face of adversity and the building pressure surrounding the team ended up bringing the best out of the side.
“We always believe in each other. I feel like the last couple weeks this team has been through some adversity,” he said.
“I feel like, in life and in sport, when you go through adversity it brings the best out of people.
“I saw something from you saying that belief only takes us so far during the week. [Belief] took us pretty far this week.
“I’m just proud of everyone in this team to be able to step up, especially at Ellis Park, it’s bloody hard. I’m tired, knackered, can’t wait to hit the sack.”
Savea was measured in declaring this game the turning point for the embattled All Blacks looking to climb back up the global standings but said it was a building block and a start.
“It’s a start. The boys are chuffed, they are stoked to get the W, but in the back of our mind it is only a start,” he said.
“Hopefully we can build on this, take confidence out of what we’ve done. Jason[Ryan’s] done an amazing job of coming in and directing our forward pack.”
Comments on RugbyPass
Think you might have written this just before the Brumbies got thrashed last weekend
5 Go to commentsI really do believe that Billy Proctor should be selected at least in the larger squad but also it would be my choice at 13, much more a center than Ioane who can still play at wing. Roigard if fit should play, otherwise it should be Perenara or Christie. Also, Iose could deserve a spot at blindside. Of course, being a Canes supporter I’m biased but I really believe that at least Billy P is deserving a chance and being Holland one of the Selectors, I’m having a little hope he could grab it.
12 Go to commentsI would not play Swinton I’d pick Wright or Hanigan. The rest are decent starters, but can’t agree on any subs except Tupou. My take on the subs: Gibbon, Ueslese, Tupou, LSL, Wilson, White, Will Harrison, and Petaia.
5 Go to commentsSBW the biggest moron to pull on a black jersey a park footy player at best
7 Go to commentsSBW is fast becoming a laughing stock, his misplaced comments & lack of insight Is actually pretty sad.
7 Go to commentsJust well you guys are couch 🛋 potatoes selector's, picking a team of greenhorns to play England! “What are you people smoking?” The halfbacks will be Christie, Fakatava, Perenara Props; Newell, Bower, Lomax, Tunga'fasi, Hookers; Asosa Amua when fit, Taylor, Samisoni,
12 Go to commentsQuite frankly, all this is a bit pathetic. The first time Wales get the Wooden Spoon in 21 years and everyone is on the bandwagon for a ‘play-off’ game. Wales have no obligation to Georgia and no obligation to the rest of the Six Nations to play such a game. If they want Georgia in so badly then they need to include South Africa into a Northern Hemisphere competition with 2 leagues of 4 teams with the top 2 competing for the Championship. Sadly, this will end Triple Crowns and Grand Slams forever. Is this really what you want?
4 Go to commentsI think Finau to start Blackadder to come on. Poss Prokter instead of Ioane, haven't seen much from Reiko so far this year.
12 Go to commentsJoe will have had a good chat with Dave Rennie, a smart move to begin with while it’s doubtful Fast Eddie will be consulted? Plenty of Aus players hitting top form so they should go OK.
5 Go to commentsMmm. Not sure I like this article or see it as necessary.
7 Go to commentsBlackadder but no Finau! 😀 It’s Razor so you are probably right, plus Taylor at 2…
12 Go to commentsThe strongest possible AB side would actually include Aaron Smith, Bodie Retallick, Sam Whitelock, Leicester Fainga'anuku, Shannon Frizzel.. don’t get me started on the rest of the injury hit brigade that got flung on the heap so left. Many a whole not getting filled as of yet.
12 Go to commentsI don’t think anyone knows what Schmidt will do, one thing is certain it ain’t gonna be all the picks we on the keyboard will think. My impression of him is that he will be looking at who can step up and what is the best combination. He will ignore individuals as he looks for guys who can build a powerful team and not just guys who can make a flashy run or ignore the winger as they want to score themselves.
5 Go to commentsSome dumb selections there. Not Porecki Not Donaldson Not Gordon Not Lonegran - both Not Nic White - Fines instead Not Liam Wright Not Paisami Definitely not Vunivalu Other than that not bad.
5 Go to commentsI've never been convinced that Patty T is a test match all black. Otherwise I probably agree it's the best side available to beat the poms. Caveat that Codie Taylor is yet to be seen and could very likely warrant selection by June. I hope that Razor brings the young loosies, half backs and locks into the training squad and develops/ selects the best
12 Go to commentsYou doing the same thing I disliked about the example of Samisoni Taukei'aho, Nick. He’s great the way he is, you’re trying to do what modern-day coaches frustrate me doing, turning everyone into the perfect athlete. Next thing you’ll be telling me you’ll bench him until he’s hit that arbitrary marker, and can’t overtake the current guy who’s doing all his workons. He’s a young Kieran Read, through and through, plays wide and has threat, mainly (and evident in your clips) through his two hand carry and speed. Just let him work on that, or whatever he wants, and determine his own future. Play God and you risk the players going sideways, like Read did, instead of being a Toutai Kefu. I mean I was in the same camp for a while, wanting our tight five to have the size, and carry ability, as the teams they were getting beat by. Now I’m starting to believe those teams just have better skilled and practiced individuals, bigger by upwards of 5kg sometimes, sure, but more influentially they have those intrinsic skills of trust and awareness. Basically our guys just didn’t know wtf they were doing. Don’t think I’m trying to prove a point here but hasn’t Caleb Clarke been in much better form this year, or does he just ‘look’ better now that he’s not always trying to use his size?
46 Go to commentsThe pack lacks a little in height for the line out and I wouldn’t be completely convinced by some of the combinations till we see it in action.
12 Go to commentsThe side is good but lacks experience. International playing bona fides udually trumps super rugby form for good reason. And incumbents are usually stuck with. Codie Taylor should start or come off the bench. B Barrett will start at fullback. Blackadder has not earned the position, Finau has. TJs experience and competitiveness earns him a starting role, Christie or Ratima off the bench
12 Go to commentsPretty good side. Scott Barrett should be the captain. Ethan Blackadder a great choice at blindside. He is going to go from strength to strength having made a couple of starts for the Crusaders. Scott Robertson rates him highly. Perenara could start a no 9.
12 Go to commentsI question and with respect. Was enough done over the last few years to bring through new blood knowing the Whitelocks and co couldn’t last forever. There should have been more done to future proof the team. New squad new coach, he and they weren’t set up well. IMO
6 Go to comments