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The trouble with Ardie Savea and his protective goggles
By Online Editors
Ardie Savea isn’t giving up on his desire to wear the protective goggles he discarded in New Zealand’s last two matches. The decision by the All Blacks back row to use the protective eye wear during the World Cup in Japan has become a talking point as his team works its way through their pool schedule.
He first took the field wearing them as a second half replacement during New Zealand’s win over Canada last week in Oita, a maiden match appearance with the goggles that was initially abandoned when a strap broke.
He then decided not to use them altogether due to the humid conditions that materialised for the Sunday lunchtime Tokyo kick-off versus Namibia.
However, he insisted this use off the protective eye wear remains a work in progress and patience is required before he gets fully up to speed.
"Like anything that you try that's new, it takes a bit of time and it's probably the worst time to try them because of the humid conditions and it's been really hot,” he explained.
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"So just trying to get used to them, they were fogging up quite a bit during the warm-up, so I just decided not to wear them during the game, but we will continue on giving them a crack and trying to find ways that I can wear them.
"Because I sweat a lot, and having the sweat come through my eyes and stuff like that was pretty tough. It was the worst place to try them and I guess with the weather conditions as well. So it will take some time getting used to it,” he continued, adding that he won’t be deterred from using them.
"Yes, definitely. Work with the doc, work with the people who make the goggles to see how it can work. Got to persevere. I'll keep training in them but, if they're not working on game day, then park them up and if they are, then sweet.
"The straps came off (against Canada) and I thought I didn't have enough time to put them back on, so I threw them to the sideline,” he explained, adding: "A few of the boys have tried them on and seen what they're like. They just like how cool it looks."
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Latest Comments
Don't worry about him Tom. Idiots don't realise how idiotic they are. It wont be long before he runs his conspiracy the players don't like Joe. People like the fool OJohn are a major part of our problem. No need to worry about the opposition when our supposed supporters are white anting the team and the system.
Go to commentsI look at exactly that way haha.
I’m a massive Blackadder fan when he is injury free and has got some form through regular game time which is about 10 minutes a season.
Havilli is a smaller less skilled version of Jordie barret.
Christie gets far too much of a hard time from the critics.
If we have an injury crisis and lose Roigard, Ratima, Fokotava, Hotham, Xavier Roe, Tahuriorangi, and that young fulla who was the back up for the U20s this year then we’ll all be glad he’s around.
The only thing Razor did that has infuriated me was picking George Bell.
That dude better make Kevin Mealamu look like Stephen Moore by the end of Super Rugby next year if he’s going to get picked again.
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