New Zealand captain Ardie Savea says the forecast of a 60 per cent chance of rain and thunderstorms at Soccer City on Saturday will not alter the All Blacks' approach to the series decider against South Africa, but insists his side must be sharper than they were in Cape Town.
The series is locked at 1-1 after the Springboks claimed the second test 33-26 in Cape Town last Saturday, having gone down 33-16 in Johannesburg the previous weekend. Saturday's third test sets up a winner-takes-the-lead clash before the sides meet in Baltimore on September 12 for the series finale.
"We need to be a little bit better in all areas than last week to challenge the Springboks," Savea told reporters on Friday. "The game will come down to fine margins. I think we did not win those last week and the Springboks took advantage. We have got to be really clinical, accurate, and disciplined."
Savea identified the slow start in Cape Town as the primary issue, where Jesse Kriel scored inside two minutes and the Boks led for virtually the entire match after going ahead again on 19 minutes.
"We dare not give a helping hand to the Springboks because they are world champions for a reason. We have got to start well and put ourselves in great positions to stay in the game."
The 111-cap No 8 described the match as "one of the biggest challenges of my career."