Savea’s new challenge
All Blacks urge wing to make a statement
The All Blacks have challenged Julian Savea to deliver from the other side of the big stage this weekend, though the one-time test star was playing down the potential repercussions of a matchup he considers just a little ‘‘weird’’.
Notable All Black reject Savea, aka ‘the Bus’, will line up for the Barbarians in Sunday’s Killik Cup fixture at Twickenham against Steve Hansen’s tourists. He is one of 13 New Zealanders in Robbie Deans’ squad, though clearly the one with the most to prove.
Savea has scored 46 tries in 54 tests for the All Blacks (the second most of all time), but his international career came to abrupt end when he was left out of the Rugby Championship squad, and then also the November touring group with a firm message that he had to have a ‘‘big off-season’’ and rediscover his love of the game of rugby.
In London yesterday, All Blacks assistant coach Ian Foster further challenged their World Cupwinning wing to deliver a timely reminder of his abilities at Twickenham this weekend.
‘‘I’d love him to make a really big point,’’ said Foster.
‘‘He has been through a Mitre 10 Cup and really progressed and done a great job within that Wellington camp, and taken the challenge on. He’s fit, and in the final he looked quite sharp, and that’s everything we wanted him to do.
‘‘The fact he’s playing well and looks like he’s trending upwards, is great news. It’s going to create a little bit of an edge. He has been a big part of us for a long time, and I know he’d love to get back and we’d love to have him back in the form we know he can be in.
‘‘So it’s a pretty good stage.’’ But Savea was keen to play down any personal significance of what he admitted would be an unusual experience facing the All Blacks, and quite possibly his little brother Ardie for the first time since ‘‘at home on the carpet’’.
‘‘It is a little bit strange but I’m very excited about the challenge and very excited about being part of this club. It is pretty special,’’ he said, stopping short of saying he had a point to prove.
‘‘I’m here to experience the Baabaas’ way of playing and excited to play against New Zealand.
‘‘I believe the door is always going to be open [to return to the All Blacks] as long as I can play the best I can. Whatever happens, happens. I’m just focused on this week and preparing well with the Baabaas.’’
Savea paid tribute to the Championship-winning Wellington Lions squad for providing an ideal environment for him to rebuild his form and confidence on the right wing during the provincial season.
He said he was expecting no leniency from his old All Black colleagues this weekend, and said if he came face-to-face with his little brother on a break he would be looking to put in a step and run in a different direction.
‘‘It’s going to be weird ... strange coming up against Ards. He beat me to play with the Barbarians as well. He was part of this team two years ago so this will be pretty cool.’’
The 27-year-old wing said he was up to meet Hansen’s challenge of a big off-season and rediscovering the enjoyment factor, though he did admit that the All Blacks head coach had not spoken to him personally about that.
‘‘As of now I’m loving it being home and enjoying the rugby. The off-season is important to me this year and I’m looking to come in fully prepared in terms of my physical shape and my mentality.
‘‘It’s always a part of my mindset anyway, trying to come back in the best shape you can and put yourself in a good position to have a good season.’’
And the Barbarians’ prospects of an upset this weekend?
‘‘It definitely is a realistic target.
‘‘It’s a good opportunity ... we know it’s a possibility and we’re going out there with the mindset we can win.
‘‘I’m just going to bring my game and do what I can for the team.
‘‘I’m excited about the challenge and how it will turn out and obviously having a beer after.’’
Yes, for all the stakes and repercussions in play, it is still the Baabaas after all.
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