Jake White argues whether Ardie Savea’s absence at the start of the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour has produced a better-balanced back row for the All Blacks.
The talismanic Savea is set to lead New Zealand in the opening Test of the series against the Springboks at Ellis Park, after being rested for the wins over the Stormers, Sharks and Vodacom Bulls.
Writing for RugbyPass, White says a loose forward mix of the likes of Tupou Vaa’i, Luke Jacobson and an impressive Anton Segner has allowed other players to lead and voice opinions without Savea automatically claiming selection.
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White claims that measured against openside greats like Michael Jones and Richie McCaw, or No 8s such as Zinzan Brooke and Kieran Read, Savea’s standing becomes less clear-cut, and suggests he could be more effective introduced off the bench.
“Since his debut, every All Blacks coach has gone out of his way to pick him. Indeed, he’s played 106 times in black with a No 6 and No 8 on his back,” he writes. “In essence, he’s been the first name picked in the back row and they’ve found players to complement him.
“However, to my mind, I think him not coming on tour with the All Blacks for the first few weeks has been a blessing-in-disguise.
“It’s my opinion, he’s not as indispensable as he’s made out to be. There is a world without Ardie, so some will inevitably ask, should he start off the bench? I say that because the reality is some players do make more impact there.”
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On Saturday’s clash, the former Bok coach expects a tight contest, with South Africa’s scrum designed to advance territory even through minor handling errors, meaning the All Blacks must avoid conceding scrum penalties to stay competitive.
He notes South Africa have historically held an edge on home soil, and White points to the two nations’ combined World Cup dominance and current world rankings that will make for an unpredictable and great series over the coming month.
Photo: Phil Walter/Getty Images
The post Jake: Ardie not that indispensable appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Jake White argues whether Ardie Savea’s absence at the start of the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour has produced a better-balanced back row for the All Blacks.
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