‘His influence is absolutely massive’: Ardi Savea, a reserved but indispensable leader for the All Blacks
“It is a great honor to be compared to Ardi Savea.” This praise comes from a man himself standing in front of Auckland’s Eden Park, clearly displaying the caliber of the All Blacks’ third row. Former player Michael Jones, the New Zealand rugby legend and 1987 world champion, is full of praise for his successor, who is of Samoan descent like himself. Since arriving in the squad for the Ferns in 2016, Savea has developed dramatically, to the point where he became captain at the start of this World Cup in the absence of Sam Keane, who suffered a back injury. It is a role he has already fulfilled in 2021 and which he remains committed to.
Of all the blacks, he is unanimous. A man of few words but action, he leads all players in his wake. “He doesn’t talk much, but when he does, his talk is powerful,” Beauden-Barrett confirms. He’s the one leading the dance, the one leading from the front. He also trusts other leaders who help him in his mission, which is important. »
“It’s a dragster”
Sam Kane is back in the quarterfinals, and the third row is no longer an official captain of this team. This does not prevent him from delivering his messages and making sure they are heard. “It doesn’t matter if he was a captain or not, he was always a fierce leader in our team,” said full-back Damian McKenzie, whom he met at the end of September at the Adidas store on the Champs-Elysées. He is someone who always listens and is available to others, and knows how to lead the way without talking too much. »
This last characteristic is typical for players of Polynesian origin. Ardi Savea was born in Wellington, New Zealand, to Samoan parents, and remains very connected to his roots. “In Samoan culture we have a saying: O Alaa, I am Paul, O TautwaMeans The path to leadership is through service“, explains Michael Jones. And service isn’t really about words, it’s about actions that count. How you care for others, how you show them your love…that’s what being a true leader means. It’s very important in our culture and it’s part of Ardie’s DNA Save. »
The third grader also earned his position as a leader thanks to his performance on the field. The New Zealander’s power, speed and toughness in defense make all his opponents break out in a cold sweat. “He’s a dragster,” explains Jean-Baptiste Elisalde, assistant coach of the French “I was able to face him, and I have already come a long way.”
Since the start of the World Cup, the second of his career, Ardi Savea has ensured that he is a regular starter for the All Blacks. He will be alongside Shannon Frizell and Sam Keane for the quarter-final against Ireland, on Saturday 14 October evening at Stade de France (9pm), and should act as a link in the third row.
“When a coach draws his team, he tries to find the perfect balance on the third line because it is essential,” explains Michael Jones. New Zealand excels in this area and Ardee plays a key role. Its influence is so enormous that if we remove it, it throws everything out of balance. There is no player capable of replacing him. »
A cross between a “teddy bear” and a “monster”
Ardi Savea is brutal on the pitch, but much less brutal in everyday life. This is another peculiarity of Polynesian rugby players. “There is a real contrast between our calm and fun demeanor off the pitch, and the ferocity we show on the pitch,” said the first try to score in World Cup history. It’s part of our genes, it’s a bit like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. »
An observation shared by Ardi Savea himself, who described it In the team The Polynesians, who make up 40% of the current All Blacks squad, are like “teddy bears who, once on the field, become monsters”.
This Saturday evening, at the Stade de France, New Zealand coach Ian Foster will once again need Ardie Savea at the top of his game to lead his troops to victory over Ireland. Looking like outsiders, something that rarely happens to them, the All Blacks face a huge challenge: overcome a Clover XV unbeaten for 17 matches or leave the competition.
“Ireland’s great strength lies in the quality and strength of its third line,” analyzes Michael Jones. We really have to have the upper hand in this part of the game, and that’s what will make the difference. Ardi is a very crucial player in this format. “It is up to the Irish to find a solution…
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