Ardie Savea has point to prove on northern tour
OPINION: Ardie Savea is such a talented rugby player, with such a powerful engine, that it seems absurd to suggest he’s under some pressure for his spot in the All Blacks.
But surveying Steve Hansen’s travelling troupe of 37 for the November tour north, taking in tests against France, Scotland and Wales, as well as the clash against the Baabaas at Twickenham next weekend and a Tuesday hitout against a French XV in Lyon, a perusal of players under pressure to front has to have Savea’s name up top.
It’s hard to escape the feeling that the talented Wellington loose forward has just gone off the boil a little at the test level, as evidenced by the recent decision by Steve Hansen to run with Matt Todd as his backup No7 for the third Bledisloe in Brisbane (a decision subsequently overturned when the Cantab picked up a groin injury in the leadup).
Savea has speed, athleticism, physicality and an inordinate leg drive to power him in the tussles in and around the breakdown. At his best he is a dynamic game-changer, tailor-made for the bench role at this stage of his career.
But Todd is also a quality performer, and right now he appears to be breathing down Savea’s neck for that backup No7 spot in the top test lineup. Just who emerges top in their tussle on this tour could be PHOTOSPORT one of subplots.
Who else might be considered under some pressure to perform on this tour? the more intriguing
Lima Sopoaga and Damian McKenzie are two who spring to mind after the Brisbane banana skin defeat. Hansen has made no secret of his displeasure at the All Blacks’ kicking and tactical game in the wet there, and the No10 and fullback that night have to bear the brunt of that.
‘‘If you look back at last weekend with the rain and everything, probably our kicking game is what let us down,’’ Hansen said before departure. ‘‘A lot of that is on he and Sops. Sops plays under the roof and often doesn’t have to deal with that weather, so it’s a new experience for him. And Damian at the back always wants to run. So learning from that will be good. They were both exposed to it, and it will be good for their careers.’’
Translation: these two talented playmakers, who just might end up competing for the backup No 10 spot behind Barrett, have been put on notice. They must take their lessons on board. Others to watch for? Waisake Naholo has a great chance to press his claims as a frontline wing. Chances have been few and far between but the stage is set for him to impress.
And Brodie Retallick’s absence at lock puts a lot on Scott Barrett and probably Patrick Tuipulotu to deliver the physical impact and high workrate that will be needed.
As always, the acid will be on the All Blacks to win these three tests in the north. Some, more than others, also have some points to prove along the way.