Not many players can outmatch Ardie Savea in a head-to-head encounter on the rugby field. Just ask Eben Etzebeth, the renowned Springboks enforcer, who initially tackled Savea during the game between the All Blacks and Springboks. Savea quickly recovered and effortlessly swept Etzebeth away, showcasing his impressive strength. This off-the-ball moment gained significant attention when it went viral this month. Fans can catch all the action of the 2023 Rugby Championship and Bledisloe Cup on Stan Sport, the home of rugby, where all matches are streamed ad-free, live, and on demand.
Savea also made headlines for his actions in a highly intense Super Rugby Pacific clash in Melbourne back in March. The Hurricanes captain was suspended for making a throat slitting gesture towards Rebels halfback Ryan Louwrens, but not before he had a scuffle with his partner, Carter Gordon. When asked about his encounter with Gordon, Savea humbly admitted that he was second best in their clash. He praised Gordon’s fearlessness and willingness to confront challenges head-on. Savea acknowledged the young player’s attacking style and determination, emphasizing the need for his team to neutralize him.
Both Savea and Gordon will have important roles to play in the upcoming Bledisloe Cup opener on Saturday. Savea will captain the All Blacks for the fifth time, filling in for the injured Sam Cane. Gordon, on the other hand, will make his first Test start as the No.10, following two impressive appearances off the bench. When asked about Gordon’s abilities, Savea expressed confidence in his skills, referring to his standout performances during Super Rugby.
Despite the Wallabies’ two losses in the Rugby Championship, they are seen as rank outsiders with odds of $7 in the match against a resurgent New Zealand team. The All Blacks have had convincing victories against Argentina and South Africa, making them a formidable opponent. However, the All Blacks are not taking any chances and have named a full-strength team to face an experimental lineup put together by Eddie Jones, the Wallabies’ coach, which includes seven starting changes.
Savea emphasized the importance of consistent wins for the All Blacks and their goal to maintain their winning streak leading up to future competitions. As they prepare for the do-or-die Bledisloe Cup match, Savea highlighted the significance of the game to not just the All Blacks but the entire nation of New Zealand. He expressed the team’s understanding of the weight of the moment and how it fuels their energy and preparation throughout the week. Savea attributed their success to the team’s excellent consistency, strong leadership, and the valuable lessons they learned from the previous year.
The All Blacks approach the game with confidence but also a hunger to improve. Savea noted the team’s determination to be better this week, as they face a challenging opponent. The Bledisloe Cup holds immense value for the All Blacks and New Zealand as a whole, and there is a lot at stake in this crucial match.
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Hasibur Rahaman is a passionate sports journalist. He covers everything from cricket to field hockey, delivering up-to-the-minute updates and in-depth analysis of sporting events, both within India and on the international stage.
