Savea to play with goggles
ALL Blacks star Ardie Savea will be taking to the field against Canada today (1115BST) wearing protective goggles due to deteriorating vision in his left eye.
World Rugby approved the use of goggles at all levels of rugby earlier this year to allow those with visual impairments to play, and Savea trialled them this week during training.
According to Savea, he wanted to protect his eyes for life after rugby.
He said: “A couple of years ago I realised I had bad vision in my left eye. Everything’s kind of blurry.
“I told All Blacks doctor Tony Page that it was getting worse and now we’re doing something about it.
“Doc notified me that World Rugby had some goggles that were approved and everyone has been really supportive. In terms of vision and seeing, it’s pretty sweet, and it’s now just a matter of getting used to them.”
Speaking at a press conference in Oita Stadium yesterday, New Zealand assistant coach Ian Foster was full of praise for the move.
He said: “He’s had a lack of vision in one eye for a while and he just feels this is the right time to protect the other one.
“It’s purely for protection. I don’t know too much about them except they’re World Rugby-approved goggles and that some other players have worn them.
“For me, it’s the right move for Ardie and it’s great that it helps protect an area that other people have an issue with and it’s a great message.”
Meanwhile, France coach Jacques Brunel makes 12 changes against USA at Fukuoka today (0845BST), with only Arthur Iturria, Gael Fickou and Yoann Huget keeping their places in the starting XV.
Brunel said: “We’re wary of this American side because of the physical qualities they’re developing. The English did a good job of dominating them. We hope to do the same.”
Veteran number eight Louis Picamoles will captain France for the first time in his ninth World Cup match as he wins his 81st cap.
“It was the natural choice,” Brunel said. “He is the most experienced player in a changed team. He’ll play in a position he’s familiar with, with a role he’s familiar with. He was the safest choice.”