The 2023 World Player of the Year is currently enjoying a sabbatical in Japan Rugby League One, plying his trade for Kobelco Kobe Steelers and the All Blacks talisman has been blown away by the quality of rugby in the country, especially in defence.
Japan head coach Eddie Jones goes up against his successor Steve Borthwick for the first time since his sacking in December 2022 and Savea has outlined two danger men from the Kobe Steelers, who may cause problems for England on June 22.
Savea told The Rugby Paper: “It’s going to be a good, interesting watch. England are world class as we all know but being here playing against some of the guys that are available for Japan, wow they can play! They can tackle, my legs have never been chopped so many times than they have over here in Japan. It’s going to be a really good game.
“There’s a few guys who can cause England problems. I compare our winger Kanta Matsunaga to the Cheslin Kolbe of Japan because he’s a little winger who is a freak on his feet. Seungsin Lee our 13 is a young player but is also a hell of a talent. There’s plenty more in other teams as well for England to be cautious of.”
Two weeks later England lock horns with New Zealand for a two-match Test series in Dunedin and Auckland.
While the 81-capped No.8, who has scored 25 international tries, admits to not taking in much of the Six Nations while in Japan, Savea says his troops must be wary of England’s forward pack.
Bu hikaye The Rugby Paper dergisinin March 31, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye The Rugby Paper dergisinin March 31, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
New Zealand teams display their strength
NEW Zealand continued their Trans-Tasman dominance with three of the final four teams participating in next weekend's Super Rugby Pacific semi-finals.
Emphatic England demolish Georgia
UNDER-20s Six Nations champions England made a victorious start to their World Championship warm-up matches in Georgia.
Sanderson: We'll come back better
ALEX Sanderson is an ebullient, upbeat character who tries to ride the waves of professional sport with a smile on his face.
Chiefs gunning for champions
REIGNING champions Gloucester-Hartpury have been the league's pacesetters once again and today face an Exeter side determined to make up for last season's final heartache.
Ospreys can't stop Munster marching on
IRELAND star Jack Crowley says Munster must improve as they look to go all the way and retain their URC crown.
Saints stars give credit to Vesty
ALEX Mitchell and George Furbank, two of Northampton's current internationals, have hailed Sam Vesty as the best coach they have worked with.
Callard impressed by Bath coaches
BATH legend Jon Callard believes two of the best signings Johaan van Graan has made as the club's head of rugby are not Finn Russell and Thomas du Toit but the forwards and backs coaches, Richard Blaze and Lee Blackett.
Hotshot Hendy seizes the day
GEORGE Hendy’s ‘Saints Super-sub’ status will be forever etched into Franklin’s Gardens folklore after his magical break eight minutes from time ensured Northampton celebrated the tenth anniversary of their first Premiership title by claiming their second at Twickenham yesterday.
Steward: Sinfield has given me belief
FREDDIE Steward hopes to enjoy some Southern Hemisphere comfort after coming through what he admits has been one of the most “challenging” spells of his relatively short playing career.
Hampson can keep on playing and coaching
CRAIG Hampson has come to an agreement that will allow him to continue playing with Ealing Trailfinders while also remaining as head coach of Chinnor in the Championship.