‘We have got a bit of history’ – Ardie Savea issues England warning after previous ‘smack on the nose’

New Zealand’s Ardie Savea has warned that it will be “a long day” against England if they fail to match their opponents’ physicality during the match.

The teams clash next weekend in the first of two Tests as the Scott Robertson era gets up and running in Dunedin.

Robertson named his 32-man squad on Monday which was shorn of several All Blacks greats following their departures after the Rugby World Cup.

Aaron Smith, Richie Mo’unga, Brodie Retallick and Sam Whitelock all exited for pastures new at the end of the World Cup, leaving the head coach with a rebuild.

Short prep

A strong spine remains in the squad but they have very little time to prepare for the challenge of taking on the Red Rose.

Steve Borthwick’s men appear to be a side on the rise and have had the benefit of playing six matches together since the global tournament, including the recent 52-17 victory over Japan.

New Zealand have not beaten England in the past two matches, with the 19-7 defeat in the 2019 World Cup semi-final remaining particularly fresh in Savea’s memory.

“We understand what they bring and if we don’t match up or front up, it’s going to be a long day,” the number eight told reporters. “That’s what happened in 2019. We got smacked on the nose and couldn’t recover.”

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The All Blacks and England then didn’t play for another three years before Ian Foster’s men relinquished a 25-6 lead with just nine minutes remaining in November 2022.

“The last time we played them we drew, so we have got a bit of history,” he said. “They have just played Japan and are going really well. We need to focus on ourselves and make sure we nail it.”

England themselves have a few absentees, with fly-half George Ford among those who is out through injury, but Marcus Smith stepped in nicely against Japan.

England’s threat

“They are physical, they are skilful and have Marcus Smith running their game,” Savea added. “His unpredictability is a threat, he’s growing into himself in the way he controls the game.”

With the highly rated Robertson now in charge, it will be fascinating to see the All Blacks’ approach in this new era, but versatile back Beauden Barrett has told supporters not to expect anything too complicated.

“The coaches have been organised and their information presented has been layered,” Barrett said.

“We wouldn’t be taking in a game plan that is too extensive so we’ll keep it simple, but whatever we do, we’ll be super clear come Friday and Saturday next week.

“We have got a lot of work to do between now and then, but we’re confident we will get to the right place.”

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