'Embrace the Noise and Nail Our Game' - Savea on Twickenham Challenge

Ninety Test All Black Ardie Savea knows Twickenham well enough to understand that England's home venue will act as a catalyst in their performance on Sunday [NZT].

England has stated it will go into the game to demonstrate it has learned lessons from their two Test losses in New Zealand in July.

Savea said the All Blacks know England will be a different side.

While there was always a physical engagement to be contested up front, England would also bring 'razzle and swagger' with their backs.

"With [Marcus] Smith at 10 [flyhalf], they can play from anywhere. We saw that the last time we played them at Twickenham [the 25-25 draw in 2022].

"We've got to be clinical, nail our job every moment. We'll try to do that and hopefully get the 'w' [win]."

Savea said the All Blacks have improved since the July series, but Twickenham hadn't been the happiest hunting ground for the side in the last few years with their record loss to South Africa in last year's World Cup warm-up game and the draw with England before that.

"We understand how important the crowd is and the noise that comes with it. But, as All Blacks, we've got to step forward and embrace that, and walk with a smile and try and nail our game."

For younger players without experience of the Twickenham environment, it was about using their processes to get back in the moment and, once they had done that, to breathe and look for the next moment.

Savea said that six months into the new All Blacks coaching regime, there had been a lot of connecting with each other as new personalities became part of the structure.

"We're getting there and starting to understand the players around us. Hopefully, we can connect this week game plan-wise."

While there was always pressure on the All Blacks to be successful, Savea said it is an honour to represent the black jersey, and, as leaders, they had to walk forward and set a standard. That was especially the case when maintaining the support from senior players to newcomers.

"The beautiful thing about rugby and life in footy is that we've got to keep going and trying to keep getting better. This game and the next few will be a big benchmark. I want to see exactly how they're progressing.

"It is different coming over here so, it is going to be challenging and tough, but it is an exciting thing to be a rugby player coming to Twickenham and getting an opportunity to play."

Savea said his loose forward partner, Wallace Sititi, has been impressive since joining the side.

"He's found what works for him; he's playing great footy, and that's a testament to himself and his preparation, as well as his level head and calmness.

"He's inspiring his teammates and that's special."

Sititi's ability to play anywhere in the loose forwards reminded Savea of himself.

"We've got the same mindset. We're grateful wherever we are. If we are starting we are grateful, that's been the same through my career and Wally's the same."

When asked if he felt the All Blacks had arrived where they wanted their game to be, Savea said, "You've never arrived. You're always improving, you've always got to look forward and improve.

"Once you have that mindset [that you've arrived] you'll sit still. That's when you're in trouble. As a pack, we're always looking to grow and find areas we need to be better."

Savea said several England players made their mark against the All Blacks in July.

"Ben Earls has been on fire and his game has elevated in the last two years. He's brought class, and they've got quality all over."

His potential loose forward partners, Tom Curry and Sam Underhill, were threats over the ball and effective ball carriers.