Rugby: Savea keen to re-enter test arena after difficult year

Twelve months ago, Julian Savea was named for his first All Blacks test, a match against Ireland at Eden Park in which he announced himself on the world stage with a stunning hat-trick of tries.

Before that he was known as a Hurricanes wing and former NZ Under-20s player capable of barnstorming runs, with a name which lent handily to headlines which suggested as much - "Savea damage", and so on.

Much has changed since that night in Auckland. He struggled a bit in his next test against Ireland in the freezing cold in Christchurch, especially under the high ball, which gave Hosea Gear an opportunity in Hamilton a week later.

Savea didn't get another chance until the Rugby Championship test against Argentina in Wellington in September, a match in which he scored a try, an act which has become a trademark for the 22-year-old. On the All Blacks tour of Europe at the end of last year he scored six tries in four tests for a round total of 12 in nine. He cemented himself as the All Blacks' best left wing on that trip and yet there is more pressure on Savea this season.

Apart from the so-called "second-year blues", he has struggled for form with the Hurricanes, something the assault charge brought against him by his partner probably has a fair bit to do with.

Yesterday, after watching his brother Ardie score a try in the first minute for NZ Under-20 against their Fijian counterparts at the junior world championships in France, he admitted his form wasn't where he wanted it to be. He said his court appearances had affected his on-field performances.

Savea

"I guess so. It would probably have impacted on anyone, but I'm looking to move on and focus on this weekend.

"With the Hurricanes I've been trying to get involved as much as I can," he said of his efforts at improving. "I've worked really hard on my off-field stuff - with the high-ball which could be important this weekend and my defence, really, and to get my confidence up."

Savea will take the field with a new-look back three - the in-form Ben Smith on the right wing in place of injured incumbent Cory Jane, with the struggling Israel Dagg at fullback.

While Savea is preparing himself for high kicks from the French, Dagg could provide him with reassurance about his hard-running potential. The Crusaders fullback took the brunt of Savea's 104kg frame during his team's loss to the Hurricanes in Wellington earlier this year and fell backwards like a possum hit by a Hilux.

Savea was also outstanding against the Waratahs, the match in which Ardie made his debut, his unique handling skills a refined counterpoint to his fearsome charges.

As for his memorable debut against Ireland, it was no longer a factor. "Not really," he said, when asked if it was a boost ahead of his first game against France. "That was last year and a few games back."

A year really is a long time in professional sport.