Wairarapa Times-Age E-Edition

Savea wants ‘newcomers’ to be patient

– rnz.co.nz

The All Blacks have made mass changes for tonight’s test against Argentina in Brisbane, and captain Ardie Savea says the message to the new players is simple — match the Pumas’ physicality.

The All Blacks have changed more than two-thirds of the starting XV from last week’s win over Argentina to rest a string of first-choice players ahead of two games against South Africa.

There are 11 changes to the run-on side in total and a newlook reserves bench.

Savea, who missed 39-0l trouncing of the Pumas on the Gold Coast after suffering a head knock in the final Bledisloe Cup win over the Wallabies, said his side couldn’t afford to let Argentina outmuscle them in Brisbane.

“We know how physical Argentina is, and they are going to come firing this weekend again. So, if we can match them there, hopefully, it will let our game flow.”

Savea believes the All Blacks won’t get things so easy despite last Sunday’s scoreline in this weekend’s second straight test against Los Pumas.

He’s warning his side not to get complacent against an Argentina team with plenty to prove after three straight losses in the Rugby Championship.

“If we turn up thinking the same performance we did last week will be enough, then we’re kidding ourselves.

“We know the Argy boys are wounded beast, and they’re dangerous right now. So, if we don’t turn up, it could be a long day.”

Savea is confident the leaders in the team can keep the players coming into the side calm and in control tonight.

With some players returning from injury and others getting a chance to put their hand up for more regular selection, Savea said senior players such as himself and first-five Damian Mckenzie must make sure the team stay patient.

“We [the senior players] just want the boys to go out there and just play and not think. It’s up to us leaders to drive that.

“The boys did that really well last week [staying patient] and it’s up to us this week, the boys that are putting on the jersey, to do a job.”

The All Blacks top the Rugby Championship standings with the Springboks, who play the Wallabies tomorrow night, second.

A second straight win over Argentina would cement New Zealand in first place and put them in the box seat to win the tournament.

SPORT/WEATHER

en-nz

2021-09-18T07:00:00.0000000Z

2021-09-18T07:00:00.0000000Z

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