Accuracy, discipline and control are All Blacks mantras and are characteristics of how their latest member of the 100-Test club Ardie Savea plays, and they will be needed again in Saturday’s Lipovitan-D Rugby Championship Test at Eden Park.
Savea’s century, and preserving their 50-Test unbeaten run have added to the intensity of the match as both sides seek to gain what could be vital points in securing the Championship for 2025, after they have each lost one of their first two Tests in the campaign.
Savea will play on the openside flank, with Wallace Sititi packing at No8 and Simon Parker on the blindside of the scrum.
It is a contest of a type in which Savea has thrived, and its appeal hasn’t changed since his first selection as an All Black in 2016, making his debut off the bench against Wales at Eden Park.
“I always try and remind myself that every time I put on the black jersey it’s a blessing and it happens to be the 100th time this weekend. I’m grateful for this team, the coaches, the players, the past players and coaches, everyone that’s been part of this legacy.
“That’s who I represent and the reason why I play.”
Playing his 100th against South Africa, at Eden Park added to the occasion and the achievement.
“It’s a great challenge and it’s going to be hard and tough, but something for us all to walk towards.”
While he enjoys a special friendship with South Africa’s captain Siya Kolisi, Savea said their relationship was similar to that between other players.
“We go out there and try and beat each other up, and try and do what’s best for our team and then we share conversation like normal human beings and connect.”
While there was a milestone involved on Saturday for him, his preparation will be unchanged.
“I’ll prepare like I always prepare and just embrace the week. I’ll let it fill my cup instead of being a burden, and go out there and represent the jersey well.”
Savea also acknowledged the influence older brother Julian had on him.
“He paved the pathway for me, whether it was good with us or bad. I was able to learn and navigate my journey through his life. I give all credit to him.”
Coach Scott Robertson said it is an important game for Savea. He is a player who provides leadership and has served the jersey over his 100 games with heart and a lot of skill.
“You see his humility around the team, off the field and he is a good family man.”
While it is the Springboks’ first Test at Eden Park since 2013, and the 50-game unbeaten record is challenged again, Robertson said that made the occasion what players look forward to.
“That’s why there’s so much interest in it. We’re looking forward to the occasion.”
The aerial game will be important for the All Blacks to win for the back three while winning the collisions puts demands on the back row to keep winning them and be technically sound while dealing with the power of the big Springbok pack.
Robertson said replacement halfback Kyle Preston probably hadn’t thought he would achieve All Blacks selection so soon but he was confident he would rise to the occasion when joining the action from the bench.
Emoni Narawa’s selection on the wing was based on his aerial skills, his defence on the edge, his backfield coverage for the expected South African tactical game.
“It’s a great opportunity for him and gives us good balance in that back three.”
Wing partner Rieko Ioane retained his place.
“Rieko’s got his opportunity; he’s at home, he’s spent a lot of time on this fields, and he’s got a lot of skin in the record, and he has his opportunity on Saturday night to show it.”
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All Blacks match-day 23 (Test caps in brackets; * denotes debutant):1. Ethan de Groot (34) 2. Codie Taylor (100) 3. Fletcher Newell (27) 4. Scott Barrett (83) (Captain) 5. Tupou Vaa’i (42) 6. Simon Parker (1) 7. Ardie Savea (99) (Vice-Captain) 8. Wallace Sititi (11) 9. Finlay Christie (25) 10. Beauden Barrett (138) 11. Rieko Ioane (85) 12. Jordie Barrett (73) (Vice-Captain) 13. Billy Proctor (6) 14. Emoni Narawa (3) 15. Will Jordan (46)
IMPACT: 16. Samisoni Taukei’aho (35) 17. Tamaiti Williams (19) 18. Tyrel Lomax (45) 19. Fabian Holland (5) 20. Du’Plessis Kirifi (4) 21. Kyle Preston * 22. Quinn Tupaea (17) 23. Damian McKenzie (66)
South Africa (15-1): Willie le Roux, Cheslin Kolbe, Jesse Kriel (captain), Damian de Allende, Canan Moodie, Handre Pollard, Grant Williams, Siya Kolisi, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Marco van Staden, Ruan Nortje, Eben Etzebeth, Thomas du Toit, Malcolm Marx, Ox Nche.
IMPACT: Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Boan Venter, Wilco Louw, Lood de Jager, Kwagga Smith, Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Ethan Hooker.