Kashiwa (Japan) (AFP)
The selection of New Zealand, the two-time world champion, made a big first practice session on Wednesday in Kashiwa, an early morning session because of the heat wave, ten days to face the Springboks September 21, in one of the first major shocks of the Rugby World Cup.
"This is the first time in three years that we have a whole week of training without having a game at the end, which is probably why we felt very good today, with a training that was very intense, "said assistant coach Ian Foster. "The players were very receptive and very well understood what they had to do."
The All Blacks trained very early in Kashiwa, northeast of Tokyo in the suburbs of the Japanese capital, to avoid the heat. "I'll give you a quick summary, it's very hot," said assistant coach Ian Foster, as mercury reached 38 degrees on Wednesday.
"We changed our scheduled training time to escape this heat, stronger in the afternoon, it's a matter of common sense, but it's agreed," Foster said.
"We had a few players back last week with a few sores but we were pleased with the progress, which put us in good shape," added the coach before confirming that the opener Richie Mo'unga, who suffering from a shoulder, will be restored in time for the clash against the Springboks.
"We will have to face a team of South Africa with full confidence but they will have to stick to a team of determined All Blacks," said Foster, "delighted with the draw because we will return straight away into the heart of the matter".
After South Africa, who came to get the 16-16 draw against New Zealand on July 27 in Wellington, the double world champions will have an easier result in Group B, with Italy, Canada and Namibia as other opponents.
© 2019 AFP