Ardie Savea Breaks Silence on Threat of Thunderstorms Before Crucial Springboks Test
- The threat of thunderstorms has added another layer of uncertainty to Saturday’s massive Springboks-All Blacks showdown in Johannesburg
- Ardie Savea has addressed the looming weather conditions as New Zealand prepare for a crucial Test with the series finely balanced
- The All Blacks captain has revealed where his team’s focus must remain as they look to respond after last weekend’s Cape Town defeat
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Ardie Savea has addressed the threat of thunderstorms ahead of the All Blacks’ crucial third Test against the Springboks at FNB Stadium on Saturday, 5 September 2026.
The South African Weather Service has forecast a 60% chance of rain and thunderstorms around Soccer City during the match. However, Savea does not expect the conditions to alter New Zealand’s approach.
“That will not affect how we play,” the All Blacks captain told reporters on Friday as reported by JacarandaFM.
“We need to be a little bit better in all areas than last week to challenge the Springboks.”
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All Blacks want a sharper start
The series is level at 1-1 after South Africa recovered from their 33-16 defeat in Johannesburg by winning 33-26 in Cape Town.
Savea believes New Zealand must be more precise if they are to take control of the series.
“We have got to be really clinical, accurate, and disciplined,” he said.
He also highlighted the danger of giving the Springboks opportunities.
“We dare not give a helping hand to the Springboks because they are world champions for a reason,” Savea said. “If we do that, we will be in big trouble.”
Source: Getty Images
Third Test carries major significance
Savea, who will captain New Zealand from No.8, described the encounter as “one of the biggest challenges of my career”.
With the teams tied, Saturday’s winner will move ahead before the fourth Test in Baltimore on 12 September.
The All Blacks captain’s message is straightforward: the weather will not be used as an excuse. New Zealand’s focus remains on execution and avoiding the errors that proved costly in Cape Town.
John Smit weighs in on All Blacks scrum tactics
Briefly News previously reported that former Springbok captain John Smit had offered a different perspective on the scrum controversy surrounding All Blacks coach Dave Rennie.
Smit suggested Rennie’s comments about South Africa allegedly “walking around” at scrum time may have been intended to shift attention towards the Springboks rather than New Zealand’s own tactics.
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Source: Briefly News
