The trouble with Ardie Savea and his protective goggles

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.  

After a thrilling opening few weeks to a Rugby World Cup which has lived up to its billing as the most competitive yet, @rhigarthjones picks the team of the tournament so far.https://t.co/JqrXe4DK3M

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“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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