GAME DAY I All Blacks skipper Ardie promises Kolisi 'payback' in crucial third Test clash

Ardie Savea and Siya Kolisi are close friends, to the point where their children even get along well. However, on the rugby field, their friendship turns into a fierce rivalry. This dynamic was evident last week when Kolisi delivered a powerful hit to Savea during a match in Cape Town. "I was lying on the ground, and all I could hear was my dad’s voice telling me to get up.

So I got up. I told him there would be payback," Savea remarked with a smile during a press conference on Friday. Despite the strong bond they share off the field, Savea is clear about the stakes in the upcoming third Test match. "I think we all know the importance of this game," he said. "It's game three, one apiece, here in Africa, so it's a big one."

Savea emphasizes the significance of the match, stating, "It’s game three, one apiece, here in Africa, so it’s a big one." He acknowledges the competitive nature of the game, saying, "It’s exciting to get to play at the Soweto stadium and challenge ourselves to get the win." The 32-year-old also highlights the All Blacks' focus on securing a strong start, which they failed to achieve in the first two Tests.

"You wouldn’t be an All Black if you weren’t confident by this point in the week, so we’re confident, but we also respect the threat the Springboks pose," he added. "Last week they came out firing ... we’d talked about starting well and didn’t quite deliver on that." Savea also hopes to regain the All Blacks' superior performance in the breakdown area, which contributed to their victory in the opening Test at Ellis Park.

"Every team is trying to hunt turnovers at the breakdown, and there’s no doubt the Springboks are strong there. They did a good job keeping us out last week, and they’ll have to do it again this week." "We know how we want to play, and South Africa know how they want to play. The game comes down to fine margins. Last week, we lost that battle, and the Springboks took advantage of it.

“We have to be really clinical, accurate and disciplined. They’re world champions for a reason, and if you do that you won’t get it back.”