It’s all about Samoa for the Saveas
What British and Irish Lions?
As far as All Blacks Julian and Ardie Savea are concerned, the most famous rugby touring team on the planet doesn’t exist ... until next week.
The Wellington siblings continued a theme of brotherly love in the world champions’ media appearances for the week, but, unlike the Barrett trio a day earlier, were decidedly reluctant to be drawn into discussing the Lions whom the All Blacks will meet in a three-test series starting Saturday week in Auckland.
Several times they were steered down the Lions track, and on each occasion they came to a shuddering halt, pointing out firmly that their focus was locked on this week’s opponent.
Maybe that’s because first up is Samoa, with the All Blacks shaking down for the Lions series with a Friday night ‘Pasifika Challenge’ matchup against the hard-hitting islanders at Eden Park.
Given that the Saveas come from a Samoan family and that All Blacks are notoriously next task focused, well, it was a predictable approach.
Suffice it to say both are excited about the prospect of preparing for a certain looming series by running out against a team they believe is worthy of their singular attention.
‘‘We want to focus on our game week by week,’’ said Ardie. ‘‘We know the Lions are in a few weeks but we’ve got to do a job this week first. It’s a great opportunity to go out there and put the black jersey on again, and do it against our Samoan brothers.’’
‘‘It’s always in the back of our minds,’’ added Julian of the Lions. ‘‘But we’ve got Samoa this week, and we’re just excited about the opportunity to match up against them.’’
Both Saveas should feature. Normal impact openside Ardie is a contender to fill in at No 8 with Kieran Read sitting this one out, and Liam Squire still not right. And Julian is set to remain first choice on the left wing.
Assistant coach Ian Foster was glowing in his assessment of Ardie’s season thus far with the Canes, calling his frequent shifts to No 8 another valuable ‘‘string to his bow’’.
‘‘Ardie’s ability to cover all three (loose forward positions) is fantastic,’’ added Foster. ‘‘His versatility is important for us going forward and offers some really good choices.’’
Foster was a little more guarded on his assessment of big Jules.
‘‘He has improved dramatically in areas where perhaps he has been criticised in the past. His defence is improving, and his fitness. But we’d like to see a little more with the ball. The next piece of the jigsaw is ball in hand, and beating people.’’