Savea and Louw will go toe-to-toe
All Black rookie vs Springbok stalwart
SUPERFICIALLY‚ a 50th cap against a maiden Test appearance in the starting XVs should be enough to stir debate.
However, there is so much more to Francois Louw measuring himself against Ardie Savea in the Rugby Championship on Saturday. Or should that be the other way around?
The two opensiders will go toe-to-toe when the Springboks clash with the All Blacks‚ but their presence in the respective starting lineups speaks volumes for where their teams are at the moment.
Louw will reach the significant milestone under perhaps bittersweet circumstances. His place in the team‚ let alone in the starting combination‚ has been widely questioned and while it is true his form is not what it was when he forced open the Bok door in 2012‚ he remains a fetcher of enduring quality.
He performed to optimum levels in the Bok jersey when he operated in concert with Duane Vermeulen‚ who is also naturally drawn towards the ball.
Current Bok No 8 Warren Whiteley’s instincts as a more traditional No 8 takes him on wider patrol.
While Louw owes his selection to the invaluable experience he brings to the side‚ the All Blacks are investing in the future. Unlike that of the Boks‚ most of this transition has been seamless.
Sam Cane‚ the man who has to fill Richie McCaw’s boots, is injured and Savea‚ who has played off the All Blacks’ bench‚ gets the responsibility of wearing the No 7 jersey.
“Obviously there is a lot of history because we’ve had some great No 7s‚” said coach Steve Hansen. “The guy he has taken it [the jersey] off from has been playing exceptionally well.
“The guy before that was obviously a legend. He [Savea] understands what his role is whether he comes off the bench or whether he starts.”
At the Hurricanes in Super Rugby‚ Savea is a free-spirited player who lets few stand between him and the next gainline-busting move.
Will he need to tighten up his game on Saturday?
“I doubt it‚” said Hansen. “He’s got to be strong in the tackle and over the ball and if he gets the opportunity to carry you’ll see that that is the natural side of his game. The core role he’s got‚ he has to do well‚” said Hansen. Louw was complimentary of Savea. “He’s made a big impact and deservedly got chosen. I wouldn’t say he’s your typical opensider. He is a good ball carrier.
“He’s got a lot of speed‚” said Louw, before adding tellingly‚ “regardless who the All Blacks put in at openside, it is always an area of dominance.” TMG Digital