Savea says All Blacks will stick to plan despite rain threat against Springboks

New Zealand captain Ardie Savea says the All Blacks will not alter their approach if rain and thunderstorms arrive for Saturday’s third Test against world champions South Africa in Johannesburg.

The South African Weather Service told AFP there was a “60% chance of rain and thunderstorms” at Soccer City during the match.

Savea insists the forecast will not influence New Zealand’s strategy as they look to take a 2-1 lead in the series in the historic Soweto setting.

“That (bad weather) will not affect how we play. We need to be a little bit better in all areas than last week to challenge the Springboks,” he told reporters on Friday.

“We know how we want to play and South Africa know how they want to play. The game will come down to fine margins.

“I think we did not win those last week and the Springboks took advantage. We have got to be really clinical, accurate, and disciplined.”

The All Blacks won the opening Test 33-16 in Johannesburg before South Africa responded with a 33-26 victory in Cape Town last Saturday.

The result left the two teams level at 1-1, meaning the winner on Saturday will move ahead with one match remaining. Following the Johannesburg Test, the sides will travel to Baltimore in the United States for the series finale on 12 September.

Savea, who has 111 Test caps, said New Zealand must avoid the early errors that allowed South Africa to seize control in Cape Town.

Springboks centre Jesse Kriel scored inside the opening two minutes of the second Test. New Zealand managed to draw level, but fell behind again in the 19th minute and never recovered their lead.

“We dare not give a helping hand to the Springboks because they are world champions for a reason.

“If we do that, we will be in big trouble. We have got to start well and put ourselves in great positions to stay in the game.

“This is a huge match — one of the biggest challenges of my career,” said the 32-year-old forward.

The decisive nature of the fixture has added to the pressure surrounding what is described as the Greatest Rivalry between the top-ranked Springboks and second-ranked New Zealand.

“We are all square at 1-1 in the series so whoever wins on Saturday moves ahead with one match to go. That is the position we want to be in.”

Savea also said the tour had been particularly meaningful because his wife and children were with him in South Africa.

He said he had enjoyed the welcome from the country and valued being able to spend time with his family alongside his responsibilities with the All Blacks.

“My family have had an awesome time. South Africans have been amazing. To do my work with the All Blacks and then see my wife and children — that is a massive blessing.”