Ardie Savea addresses openside shift as All Blacks superstar aims to stop Antoine Dupont ‘running the show’
Ardie Savea in action for All Blacks against England and France star Antoine Dupont facing Japan.
Ardie Savea admits there will be some “little” differences as he prepares to play for the All Blacks at openside for the first time in over three years.
The back-rower, who has featured exclusively at number eight over the last few Test seasons, has been shifted due to their injury crisis at seven.
Sam Cane was ruled out of Saturday’s France clash after suffering a head injury against Ireland, joining other potential options Dalton Papali’i, Ethan Blackadder and Luke Jacobson on the sidelines.
That means Wallace Sititi will be in his preferred position at number eight with Samipeni Finau coming into the All Blacks run-on side to complete the loose trio.
Popular decision
It is a decision which has pleased New Zealand fans and pundits alike, who have called for this move, but Scott Robertson has been reluctant to make that alteration – until now.
“I wouldn’t say it’s like slipping on an old pair of shoes, there’s little different roles and little things you have to get used to,” Savea said.
“But I’m just grateful to put on the black jersey, whether that’s six, seven, eight, 11, 13 – wherever. It’ll still be the same, hopefully.”
Thanks to Sititi’s remarkable impact, Savea has been less prominent with ball in hand than in previous years and perhaps played slightly closer to the ruck.
“He is a few games in, he’s experienced, so he’ll slot straight in there and Wallace is into number eight, his preferred position. It’s a good little combo with Samipeni,” Robertson said.
“Circumstances have led to this but it’s something we’ve looked at for this year and now’s the time. There’s some really good athletes in those three positions.“
The only other option for the head coach would have been to throw one of Peter Lakai and Du’Plessis Kirifi into the XV, but they have just a single cap between them.
Understandably, Robertson decided against that with 21-year-old Lakai the player chosen to go on the bench, where he could make his second appearance.
“Pete, it’s a testament to such a young man, who preps really well. The professionalism within himself, it’s impressive,” Savea said.
“To see him come off the bench, it’ll be exciting for him, one of the biggest Test matches you can play – Stade de France.”
Dupont threat
With Savea now at flanker, the 31-year-old may have even more defensive responsibilities and that includes shutting down the great Antoine Dupont.
The superstar playmaker featured in his first Test since the World Cup last weekend and looked in fine shape as they hammered Japan 52-12.
“He’s been massive for them ever since he played his first game for France,” the 2023 World Rugby Player of the Year added.
“We’ve seen what he’s done in sevens. He’s gone across and won Olympic gold. Toulouse, they’re champions. There’s a common denominator, and that’s him.
“We understand the threat he poses and how he’s a key man for the French team but hopefully with our defence we’ll have strategies to nullify that.
“If we don’t front up physically against a big French pack then we allow Antoine Dupont to run the show.”
