Ardie Savea secures a pivotal try in New Zealand’s electrifying quarter-final victory over Ireland
2023 Rugby World Cup Final: New Zealand vs. South Africa
Venue: Stade de France, Paris Dates: Saturday, 28 October Kick-off: 20:00 BST
Coverage: Tune in to BBC Radio 5 Live for commentary, and catch text updates on the Sport Newes Center website and app.
“It’s okay for the lads to experience the pain, to absorb this defeat,” opined Ardie Savea.
Being on the field that evening was never in the original script for the 30-year-old Savea. He stepped up to the role of New Zealand captain only after Sam Cane sustained an injury during the warm-up match against France, the host nation.
Taking the helm on short notice, Savea guided the All Blacks both on and off the field, and even in the wake of a setback, confronted reporters in the bowels of the Stade de France.
When quizzed about the impact of New Zealand’s unprecedented pool-stage defeat, he remained unflappable.
“The key is unity, staying tight-knit,” he noted. “The battle may be lost, but the war is far from over.”
Now, a mere 80 minutes separate the All Blacks from ultimate glory. Though France stumbled in the quarter-finals, it will be New Zealand squaring off against South Africa in this marquee matchup.
Savea has been indispensable to his team. He’s been as relentless as a mosquito at a summer BBQ, leading his team in steals and arrivals at breakdowns.
Savea has also been a juggernaut when it comes to offensive stats. He’s outdone every other forward in the tournament in terms of carries and evading tackles. No other All Black has made more tackles in this French odyssey than Savea.
During their quarter-final triumph over Ireland, Savea showcased skills as diverse as box-kicking like he was a scrum-half and crossing the try line with the agility of a winger.
Beneath the frenetic energy lies a tranquil core.
“We just want to go out, jam, and enjoy our rugby,” he remarked before the monumental quarter-final win.
As the Rugby World Cup final and all its theatricality looms, Savea remains unfazed.
“We have faith in ourselves and in our game plan. That’s what has carried us this far. We don’t have anything to prove to anyone,” he concluded.
Rugby is more than a sport; it’s a sanctuary for Savea, as it has been for his family. His parents, Masina and Lina, who emigrated from Samoa to New Zealand, both played rugby at a competitive level. His older brother Julian set the professional rugby trail ablaze, a path that Ardie enthusiastically followed.
When they weren’t tussling outside, the Savea brothers were getting into knee-rugby skirmishes inside their family home—often ending in waterworks.
When Ardie Savea made his All Blacks debut in June 2016 against Wales, Julian was already a familiar presence on the team, cementing the family legacy in New Zealand rugby.
Savea, who had inked his family name and six stars on his neck as a teen, representing his immediate family, had the athleticism to join his brother in the backline. At age 17, he clocked an 11.4-second 100m and was oscillating between playing as a flanker and a crash centre. Eventually, he decided to bulk up and join the forwards, a choice that has paid dividends.
Though not the bulkiest back row—Savea tips the scales at 15st 8lbs and stands 6ft 2in tall—he has more than compensated with his athletic prowess and mastery over the breakdown.
While his ascent hasn’t been without bumps—such as an unsporting gesture in a Super Rugby game earlier this year—his apology was quick and genuine.
“Hands up, it’s on me,” he admitted. “I must do better, there’s no alibi.”
On the day following the World Cup final, Savea could very well be crowned World Rugby men’s player of the year at the swanky post-tournament gala—a title his brother Julian was in the running for in 2014 and 2015, and Savea himself in 2019. Though the award has eluded the Saveas so far, odds would favor them if New Zealand claims the World Cup.
However, whether it’s a team or an individual accolade, you get the sense that for Savea, perspective is everything.
“We’re incredibly grateful to be where we are right now,” he remarked this week.
As he’s been all tournament, Savea is ready for what comes next.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Ardie Savea
Who is the main focus of the article?
The main focus of the article is Ardie Savea, a key player for the New Zealand All Blacks rugby team. The piece delves into his rise in rugby, leadership qualities, and his pivotal role in the upcoming 2023 Rugby World Cup final against South Africa.
What is the significance of the Rugby World Cup 2023 final for Ardie Savea?
The Rugby World Cup 2023 final is a crucial moment for Ardie Savea’s career. Not only is he leading his team in a high-stakes match, but a win could also significantly boost his chances of being named World Rugby men’s player of the year, an accolade that has eluded both him and his brother in the past.
How did Ardie Savea become the captain of the New Zealand All Blacks?
Ardie Savea assumed the captaincy role on short notice after the original captain, Sam Cane, was injured during a warm-up match against France, the host nation of the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
What qualities make Ardie Savea a standout player?
Ardie Savea is a multifaceted player with a balanced blend of strength, speed, and skill. He tops his team’s charts for steals and arrivals at breakdowns, and has also carried more and beaten more defenders than any other forward in the tournament. Savea’s unique combination of attributes makes him indispensable to the team.
What’s the family background of Ardie Savea in rugby?
Both of Savea’s parents played rugby at a competitive level, and his older brother Julian was a key figure in New Zealand rugby, particularly in their last successful World Cup campaign in 2015. Rugby is deeply ingrained in the Savea family, making the sport more than just a game for Ardie.
Has Ardie Savea faced any controversies in his career?
Yes, Ardie Savea faced a brief controversy in a Super Rugby game earlier in the year where he made an unsportsmanlike gesture towards an opponent. However, he quickly and sincerely apologized for his actions.
What awards is Ardie Savea up for?
Ardie Savea is nominated for the World Rugby men’s player of the year award, which will be announced at the end-of-tournament gala. This would be a crowning individual achievement on top of any team success in the World Cup.
What does Ardie Savea say about the upcoming final?
Savea is quite collected about the upcoming final against South Africa, stating that the team has faith in their game plan and each other. He also mentioned that they don’t feel the need to prove anything to the world, as their focus is purely on the game itself.
More about Ardie Savea
- Ardie Savea’s Official Player Profile
- New Zealand All Blacks Team History
- Rugby World Cup 2023 Official Site
- Overview of South Africa’s Rugby Team
- World Rugby Men’s Player of the Year Awards
- The Savea Brothers: A Rugby Legacy
- Ardie Savea’s Apology for Super Rugby Incident
- Interview with Ardie Savea on Leadership
- The Evolution of Rugby: A Look at Key Players
- New Zealand vs South Africa: A Rivalry Revisited
