Ardie Savea wants New Zealand to 'adapt' better against South Africa

New Zealand skipper Ardie Savea believes his team will adapt better as they face the Springboks in the final round of the Rugby Championship on Saturday.

The All Blacks extended their domination in the competition as they clinched the title with a round to spare after winning all their five matches.

However, they were stretched a bit in the previous round clash against the world champions but eventually managed to edge past them with a 19-17 victory riding on a 14-point contribution from Jordie Barrett and a touchdown from Will Jordan.

While the South African side have always employed their high kicking tactics, Savea feels his team will be ready against any tactics Jacques Nienaber's men employ in the upcoming game.

"We've got plans around that. We've just got to be on our toes as players and as a team, and adapt to what comes," he said.

"There will be some changes, and we will discuss and think twice about going to the lineout all the time so, like I said, we live and we learn and, hopefully, this week, if those opportunities come up we'll take them."

Savea was appointed the captain in the Queensland leg of the competition in the absence of Sam Cane and Sam Whitelock and the Hurricanes back-row said he relishes the opportunity to lead the All Blacks.

"I'm just trying to trust and be myself but, honestly, the leaders I have around me, they complement me, and we all complement each other," he added.