Ardie Savea reveals why he always targets Siya Kolisi during All Blacks v Springboks clashes

Ardie Savea has revealed it is Siya Kolisi, rather than Eben Etzebeth, who he prefers to hit hard on the rugby field.

There has been a perceived rivalry between Savea and Etzebeth over the years, with the two often clashing during All Blacks v Springboks matches.

But Savea insists that it is actually South Africa’s double Rugby World Cup-winning captain Siya Kolisi who he likes to “smash”.

‘A good mate’

“It’s funny bro. I don’t play even play rugby to hurt people. I go to play because I love it,” he told RugbyPass TV.

“Me and Eben, he’s a beast. I’m like a fan of him. We’ve had a few moments against each other, but not intentionally.

“I always try to smash Siya, because he’s a good mate of mine. People always get weird because we have a great relationship and we represent two big rugby nations. It’s like bro, it’s like boys, when you’re best mates you want to smash that guy.

“I always try to smash Siya but it’s not intentional with Eben. We just happen to be two players that go bloody hard.”

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Savea never takes a backwards step on the field and is renowned for his frenzied carrying, which sees his legs pumping relentlessly into contact.

He is also incredibly vocal on the pitch and the All Blacks star discussed why he is so loud when having the ball in his hands.

Getting more power

“I find when I scream, I feel like I get extra power in my carry. For me because I’m light, I need it. There’s some big boys. It all stems from when I was young, I used to play three grades up. I used to play with Jules [Julian Savea], so I was playing against guys way bigger than me,” Savea said.

“I had to find ways to tackle them or carry through them, so that growl has been there since college.

“For me, my mindset is that I understand my game and what my strengths are. I’m never gone to get the ball and run it straight at two guys that weigh 140kg, because I’m just going to get smashed.

“I try to use my strengths, that’s my footwork, my power and my speed and find weak shoulders and that… and hopefully not get smashed. I’ve been lucky enough not to a few times.”

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