Article Author:
Reuters
All Blacks forward Ardie Savea has given his New Zealand teammates a disappointing look when they face hosts South Africa in the first of two Tests at the Rugby Championship on Saturday. Called to put an end to consequences.
Coach Ian Foster has been under intense scrutiny since last month's series loss to Ireland. The All Blacks must compete in the annual four-nation tournament held in the Southern Hemisphere and win the world championship.
"I think this week is a turning point," Savea told New Zealand media. ``Don't worry about next week, we have to do well this week. It's a chance to make our case and be proud of our jerseys.”
Foster saw the All Blacks lose the series at home for the first time since 1994 after losing to Ireland.
Two losses to Ireland saw New Zealand slip to four losses in their last five games. Savea believes it's the athlete's responsibility to turn their form around.
"Coaching is limited," he said. "It's us who have to go out on the field and execute our game plan.
"It's one thing to talk about it in the week and it's one thing to actually do it. It's us.
``We are injured. It's a new challenge for us, and no bigger challenge than the Springboks.
"It's very exciting. It's nerve-wracking to be honest, but the challenge of fixing a few things." It's exciting." (Reporting by Michael Church, Hong Kong; Editing by Sri Navaratnam)
