Why is Ardie Savea wearing goggles for New Zealand in Rugby World Cup?
THE All Blacks are strong favourites to retain the World Cup this autumn.
New Zealand have terrific strength in depth in every position – and flanker Ardie Savea will be hoping to make a big impact in Japan.
Why is Ardie Savea wearing goggles for New Zealand?
THE Wellington and Hurricanes star has been selected in the 31-strong All Blacks squad for the World Cup.
Savea made his bow for the international side in 2016 and has played 40 times for New Zealand since.
You may have noticed that he is wearing goggles for New Zealand’s clash against Canada.
The use of goggles was only approved by World Rugby back in May – and Savea is wearing them after revealing his sight is deteriorating in his left eye.
In an effort to prevent any damage to his right eye – which may lead to potential blindness – the Kiwi will be wearing goggles during matches in the future.
Savea revealed: “Obviously if my right eye goes, I might be potentially blind.
“I’ve got my little girl and, hopefully, future kids and a bigger family, so I want to be able to see.
“I’m just thinking of the bigger picture and trying to protect my eyes.
“In terms of vision and seeing [with the goggles], it’s pretty sweet, and it’s now just a matter of getting used to them.
“A couple of years ago I realised I had bad vision in my left eye. Everything’s kind of blurry.
“I told All Blacks doctor Tony Page it was getting worse and now we’re doing something about it.”
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Rugby World Cup Pool B fixtures and results
Japanese time in brackets.
Sunday, September 22: Italy 47-22 Namibia
Thursday, September 26: Italy 48-7 Canada
Saturday, September 28: South Africa 57-3 Namibia
Wednesday, October 2: New Zealand vs Canada – 11.15am (7.15pm)
Friday, October 4: South Africa vs Italy – 10.45am (6.45pm)
Sunday, October 6: New Zealand vs Namibia – 5.45am (1.45pm)
Tuesday, October 8: South Africa vs Canada – 11.15am (7.15pm)
Saturday, October 12: New Zealand vs Italy – 5.45am (1.45pm)
Sunday, October 13: Namibia vs Canada – 4.15am (12.15pm)