Memories of 2019 loss in Perth still linger for the All Blacks

The psychological scars from the previous visit to Perth may still linger for new All Blacks captain Ardie Savea.

Savea wore the No 6 jersey when the All Blacks slumped to a shock 47-26 loss to the Wallabies at Optus Stadium in 2019, but will likely start at No 8 when the two sides clash at the same venue on Sunday evening.

Stuff.co reports while Savea won’t be the only All Black to harbour sour memories of that disaster in Perth two years ago, he, more than anyone, has reason to use them as motivation to ensure his team isn’t in the loser’s circle after Bledisloe III.

Discipline will be a crucial element of Savea’s plan to complete a 3-0 series win over the Wallabies, and lock Scott Barrett won’t have forgotten the moment he became the fourth All Black to be sent off in a test for a shoulder charge into Michael Hooper in a ruck during the 2019 match in Perth.

The All Blacks play the Wallabies at 6pm Sunday.

[Source: Stuff.co]