Ardie Savea is determined to channel the hurt of New Zealand losing the final at France 2023 to the Springboks against their arch-rivals in the Rugby Championship this year.
In a rematch of the Rugby World Cup final, the All Blacks will face the Boks in back-to-back clashes in the Republic.
The teams are set to lock horns on 31 August at Ellis Park, before a 7 September blockbuster in Cape Town, and for the first time at Cape Town Stadium.
Speaking in an online conference organised by the Japan Rugby League One on Thursday, Savea reflected on the pain of losing the showpiece decider in Paris, and sees the upcoming Tests as opportunities for redemption and improvement.
WATCH: Bok lineout the link to cup glory – RG
“It still stings a little bit not being able to win the World Cup,” Savea told reporters, as he currently plies his trade with the Kobe Steelers in Japan. “It’s something that I have had to process and I think of what we could have done better.
“Hopefully, I can use that to better myself and then obviously better myself in the future, wherever that takes me.”
Looking ahead to the matches in South Africa, the World Rugby Player of the Year emphasises the significance of facing the Boks on their home turf: “Playing two Tests in South Africa is like a highlight for a New Zealand player’s career, especially in front of those crowds.
“South Africa are world champions and that speaks for itself.”
Photo: @AllBlacks/Twitter
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Src: sarugbymag.co.za
