All Blacks superstar Ardie Savea is relishing the challenge of seeking redemption against Ireland in Chicago this Saturday.
The mighty All Blacks have not had it easy against the Irish of late. The men in green have won four of their last eight clashes against the three-time World Cup winners, including a first-time series win in New Zealand in 2022.
Now, Saturday will see the All Blacks put their world number two ranking on the line against third-ranked Ireland.
“They’re right up there,” Savea told the press.
They’ve been world No. 1 [before], and they know their game so well, know how they want to play, and when they get it right, they’re a very dangerous side. We’ve been on the wrong end of a few of those.
“As an All Black, it’s a great challenge for us to go over there and not only match them, but come out on top.”
It’s a full-circle moment for Savea. The backrower made his debut in 2016 and travelled to Chicago all bright-eyed and bushy-tailed for his first Test against Ireland in a new city that November. But New Zealand were humbled, going down 40-29.
“It was the first time we’ve been in Chicago,” he reflected.
“I remember that week, the Chicago Cubs had just won the baseball league, and the city was celebrating. So, as a person, you’re now indulged in the atmosphere and all that.
“As a Kiwi, you come from a little island, and going over there, you’re in the bright lights. What I remember as a young fella was just thinking, ‘Holy, I’ve made it.’
“But then, you transfer to the game, and I think I ended up on the wing, we had two backs injuries, and let in a try off a scrum, five metres out. I remember it vividly.
“For us, what happened, we can easily learn from it moving forward; the situations, scenarios, and what can happen. That’s the pressure that Ireland put us under.”
After Ireland, the All Blacks jet across the Atlantic for matches against Scotland, England and Wales.
