Ardie loving being back for alpha battle

All Blacks skipper Ardie Savea is champing at the bit to lock eyes with the Springbok “warriors” in an epic Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry spectacle at Ellis Park on Saturday.

Addressing the media in Johannesburg on Friday, the 32-year-old said he was relishing his return after a short break at home in New Zealand.

“I’m excited to be back in South Africa and just hungry to get going. A few weeks off at home, being present with the family, was nice,” he shared.

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“But you watch the boys and wish you were here too. I’m blessed to be back, trying to add to the energy that’s already here.”

Savea said a full week of preparation, after three tour matches in quick succession, had sharpened the Kiwis’ focus.

“The energy and the vibe is high, the edge is there. We know how big this tour is and how big this game tomorrow is. We’re excited, but we also know what’s coming.”

The 109-cap loose forward rated winning the opener as crucial, given the physical challenge the world champion Boks bring.

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“We respect the Springboks and the world-class alpha they are, but I believe we’re just as quality. Hopefully we go out there and put on a spectacle.

“We want to be All Blacks, we wouldn’t want to be playing if we don’t want to win,” he added. “Every game against the Springboks is physical and challenging, and they’re at the peak of the game. 

“Every time we play them, it’s challenging. It takes you to places where you question yourself, but as an All Black, that’s where you want to be.”

Discipline at set-piece, the back-row veteran noted, would be crucial against a Bok pack built to punish lapses.

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“We all know the Springboks feed off set-piece, and part of that is discipline and accuracy. If that’s not up to scratch, they’ll put you down in the corner and get into their strengths in terms of the maul.”

Savea also sent his sympathies to counterpart Siya Kolisi, ruled out through injury. “It’s disappointing for the uso [brother]. We caught up earlier this week. 

“It’s always special to have that bond, a reminder that we can rip each other’s heads off for 80 minutes, but then come together as brothers.”

On the occasion itself, Savea didn’t hide his excitement. “It’s the best place you want to play as a footy player, Ellis Park. You run out, you see the Springbok warriors coming out, the crowd – it’s pretty special. 

“You always get goosebumps when you come play here. You can let it drown you out and end up in the headlights, or you can love those moments. As All Blacks, we love those moments.“

Photo: Kai Schwoerer/Getty Images