Ardie Savea’s brutal Rugby World Cup reminder he ‘always’ gets from his brother

Colin Newboult 24 Nov 2023 11:49 AM

All Blacks Ardie Savea during the Rugby World Cup 2023 final match at the Stade de France in Paris.

Outstanding number eight Ardie Savea has joked that he is constantly being reminded of the All Blacks’ Rugby World Cup failure by his brother.

His elder sibling is of course Julian Savea, who at one stage was arguably the sport’s best wing and helped his country to take home the Webb Ellis Cup in 2015.

Julian started in the showpiece event as they claimed the title thanks to a 34-17 triumph over the Wallabies at Twickenham.

Ardie’s debut

That victory came just before Ardie made his international debut in 2016 as Steve Hansen sought to revamp the back-row following Richie McCaw’s retirement.

The number eight, whose best work in his early days came at openside, soon became a crucial part of the All Blacks side and has now played in two World Cups, one more than his brother.

However, he is yet to taste success and Julian has not let Ardie forget that.

“He always says ‘you’ve got to win a World Cup’. I’ve been unsuccessful so far,” the number eight told The Project.

“So I don’t know what I’m going to do!”

Despite the team’s disappointment, the number eight was rewarded for his individual efforts by becoming the World Rugby Player of the Year.

Savea has constantly shown his class in a black jersey but, with him now the wrong side of 30, his place in the squad is not necessarily guaranteed for the next World Cup.

He will almost be 34 by the time the 2027 global tournament comes around in Australia and will need to fend off the talented youngsters who will be snapping at his heels.