Ardie Savea, the powerhouse of the All Blacks, has thrown his full weight behind their recent evolution under the stewardship of head coach Scott Robertson. Reflecting on the team's trajectory since Robertson's takeover after the 2023 Rugby World Cup, Savea asserts the squad has significantly improved compared to the previous year. Under Robertson's reign in the last season, the All Blacks clinched victories in 10 of their 14 Tests, despite facing defeats against heavyweight teams like Argentina, South Africa (twice), and France.
The upcoming challenges for New Zealand are formidable, with a Grand Slam tour on the horizon, starting with a clash against Ireland in Chicago on November 1. The tour will then move to the United Kingdom where they will face Scotland, England, and Wales on successive Saturdays. The All Blacks have a storied history on Grand Slam tours, having achieved this feat four times, and the latest iteration presents an opportunity to add another glorious chapter.
So far this season, the All Blacks have faced stiff competition, playing nine Tests, securing seven wins and succumbing to two losses against Argentina and South Africa in the Rugby Championship. These results underscore the tough road ahead but also highlight the team’s resilience and capability to bounce back.
"If you're not growing or getting better, then there's a massive red flag. I believe we are, truly. It’s the second year under our belt, under a new group,"
Savea explained on the DSPN podcast, emphasizing the growth and betterment of the team under Robertson's leadership. The focus, according to Savea, is not just on individual skills but also on performing under the intense pressure of high-stakes matches.
"It’s easy doing skill sets when things are going really well. The great challenge is when pressure is added on to you. It’s how you respond. That’s always a continuous challenge for us as footy players. Whether you’re a first cap or a hundred cap, there’s always pressure coming your way and sometimes you get it right and you get it wrong. I feel like we are in a way better spot than we were last year. It’s just about nailing moments under pressure when we’re in those big moments."
With the international stage set and the stakes high, the All Blacks under the guidance of Robertson and the spirited leadership of players like Savea, look poised to tackle their upcoming matches with a blend of seasoned skill and newfound confidence.
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Ardie Savea, the powerhouse of the All Blacks, has thrown his full weight behind their recent evolution under the stewardship of head coach Scott Robertson. Reflecting on the team's trajectory since Robertson's takeover after the 2023 Rugby World Cup, Savea asserts the squad has significantly improved compared to the previous year. Under Robertson's reign in the last season, the All Blacks clinched victories in 10 of their 14 Tests, despite facing defeats against heavyweight teams like Argentina, South Africa (twice), and France.
The upcoming challenges for New Zealand are formidable, with a Grand Slam tour on the horizon, starting with a clash against Ireland in Chicago on November 1. The tour will then move to the United Kingdom where they will face Scotland, England, and Wales on successive Saturdays. The All Blacks have a storied history on Grand Slam tours, having achieved this feat four times, and the latest iteration presents an opportunity to add another glorious chapter.
So far this season, the All Blacks have faced stiff competition, playing nine Tests, securing seven wins and succumbing to two losses against Argentina and South Africa in the Rugby Championship. These results underscore the tough road ahead but also highlight the team’s resilience and capability to bounce back.
"If you're not growing or getting better, then there's a massive red flag. I believe we are, truly. It’s the second year under our belt, under a new group,"
Savea explained on the DSPN podcast, emphasizing the growth and betterment of the team under Robertson's leadership. The focus, according to Savea, is not just on individual skills but also on performing under the intense pressure of high-stakes matches.
"It’s easy doing skill sets when things are going really well. The great challenge is when pressure is added on to you. It’s how you respond. That’s always a continuous challenge for us as footy players. Whether you’re a first cap or a hundred cap, there’s always pressure coming your way and sometimes you get it right and you get it wrong. I feel like we are in a way better spot than we were last year. It’s just about nailing moments under pressure when we’re in those big moments."
With the international stage set and the stakes high, the All Blacks under the guidance of Robertson and the spirited leadership of players like Savea, look poised to tackle their upcoming matches with a blend of seasoned skill and newfound confidence.