All Blacks coach Dave Rennie expresses confidence that captain Ardie Savea is ready to play actively against the Springboks at Ellis Park stadium. Rennie believes that the All Blacks can gain a significant early advantage by winning the first match of the series.
The Greatest Rivalry Duel in Rugby
Rennie acknowledged the importance of winning the opening test match of the series, which is part of the greatest rivalry duel in rugby, similar to his colleague from the Springboks, Siya Erasmus. He noted that while losing the first match does not mean the end, both teams aim to start the series successfully. Given that the tour will be very intense, a win in the first match will have a positive impact.
The team received substantial squad reinforcement with the return of three key players after injuries before the start of the series. Will Jordan, Cam Roigard, and Damian McKenzie overcame fitness issues. However, the visitors lost influential back-rowers Billy Proctor and Caleb Clarke, who will not participate in the tour.
McKenzie, who will handle the main drop-goal kicking duties, was a major concern after a ankle sprain during the game against the Sharks, but Rennie is confident in his readiness. He stated that Damian spent most of Tuesday's training sessions and feels well, so the team is confident in his participation. The return of these players, including Will and Cam, who showed great effect at the World Cup, is a big plus.
The return of captain Ardie Savea was another significant boost for New Zealand. Savea, who will receive his 110th Test cap on Saturday, rested after the World Cup and only joined the team after the match against the Sharks. Rennie added that Ardie joined them in full fighting condition. He noted that it was useful for him to take a break from rugby and spend time with his family, and that he missed it very much. Savea trained intensively upon his return and quickly integrated into the team, having been with them for almost a month and a half.
Rennie admitted that the final squad selection created a pleasant headache because many reserve players demonstrated good form and created strong competition for spots. There were several positions that required long discussions.
The battle for the second row spot was particularly fierce between Patrick Tuipulotu, Sam Darby, and Tuopo Vaai. Rennie emphasized how good Patrick Tuipulotu was against Ireland, and also noted that Sam Darby is a large player with an excellent skill set and powerful endurance.
Affirming Erasmus's opinion, Rennie stressed that the depth of the squad will be seriously tested over the four test matches. He concluded that the team plans to use more than 23 players throughout this tour, given the intensity of the test series, and that other players will certainly get their chances.