Salvation at hand for Julian Savea
The figure of Daniel Carter still looms large in All Blacks selection meetings.
Not because he’s on his way back to New Zealand or coach Steve Hansen and his cohorts wish the present first five-eighths measured up to the old one. No Carter remains relevant to the All Blacks – and one wing in particular – for the way he ended his test rugby career.
No-one knows what’s going on in Julian Savea’s head or why 2016 has been such a struggle for him. But everyone’s aware of the Rugby World Cup-winning note Carter left the All Blacks on.
‘‘If you want an example of what confidence can do, think about Dan Carter last year,’’ Hansen said.
‘‘Everyone wrote him off and said he shouldn’t be in the team and he came semi-good in the quarterfinal and then just took off as that confidence got better and better, and by the end he was the best player in the tournament. That’s what self-belief and innerconfidence can do for a real quality player and Julian’s a quality player.’’
Waisake Naholo’s hamstring injury has given Savea an opportunity to start this week, which has been a rarity this year. The Hurricanes opted for Jason Woodward during their run to the Super Rugby title, with the All Blacks giving Naholo first crack at Australia a week ago.
Now it’s Savea in the No 11 jumper for tomorrow’s return clash with the Wallabies, at Wellington’s Westpac Stadium.
‘‘He came on and played 40 minutes and had some success. His defence was outstanding, scored a great try that not many people would’ve been able to finish off, so those things give an internal confidence and that’s all he needs,’’ said Hansen.
‘‘If he can get away to a good start again in the weekend I’m sure we’ll see it again and I’m sure he’ll just blossom and blossom.’’
Savea himself rates 2011, when he was battling for provincial form with Wellington, as the toughest year of his rugby career. This one has had its frustrations, though.
‘‘It’s very hard sometimes. Maybe not playing for quite a few weeks, then getting your opportunity and actually trying too hard to impress whoever,’’ Savea said.
‘‘I guess that’s what I’m trying to get out of my mind and just enjoying footy and doing what I do.’’
Hansen talked in June of Savea thinking too much and becoming ‘‘wooden’’ and losing his instinctive qualities. They’d return once Savea was able to relax and enjoy himself and rediscover some confidence, he said.
Naholo is due back for the team’s two-test trip to Buenos Aires and Durban, giving Savea the opportunity to not only show his wares this Saturday but in next month’s home matches against Argentina and South Africa as well.