"I'm excited to be back in South Africa and just hungry to get going. A few weeks off at home, being present with the family, was nice," he told reporters.
"But you watch the boys and wish you were here too. I'm blessed to be back, trying to add to the energy that's already here."
After competing in three tour matches back-to-back, Savea believes a full week of preparation has refined the team’s focus. "The energy and the vibe is high, the edge is there. We know how big this tour is and how big this game tomorrow is. We’re excited, but we also know what’s coming," he noted.
Considering the imposing presence of the world champion Boks, Savea stressed the importance of winning the series opener. "We respect the Springboks and the world-class alpha they are, but I believe we’re just as quality. Hopefully we go out there and put on a spectacle," he asserted.
"We want to be All Blacks, we wouldn’t want to be playing if we don’t want to win," Savea continued. "Every game against the Springboks is physical and challenging, and they’re at the peak of the game."
"Every time we play them, it’s challenging. It takes you to places where you question yourself, but as an All Black, that’s where you want to be."
Regarding the tactical approach, the back-row veteran emphasized the need for discipline in set-pieces, as mistakes could be severely punished by the Bok pack. "We all know the Springboks feed off set-piece, and part of that is discipline and accuracy. If that’s not up to scratch, they’ll put you down in the corner and get into their strengths in terms of the maul," he elaborated.
Savea also extended his sympathies to his counterpart Siya Kolisi, who is sidelined by injury. "It’s disappointing for the uso [brother]. We caught up earlier this week," Savea shared.
"It’s always special to have that bond, a reminder that we can rip each other’s heads off for 80 minutes, but then come together as brothers," he added regarding his relationship with Kolisi.
Reflecting on the unique atmosphere of Ellis Park, Savea conveyed the intensity of playing at such a historic venue. "It’s the best place you want to play as a footy player, Ellis Park. You run out, you see the Springbok warriors coming out, the crowd – it’s pretty special," he commented.
"You always get goosebumps when you come play here. You can let it drown you out and end up in the headlights, or you can love those moments. As All Blacks, we love those moments," Savea concluded.
