Schalk Burger believes the All Blacks are definitely weakened by the absence of Ardie Savea ahead of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series decider in Baltimore.
Savea will miss Saturday’s Test after being ruled out with injury, a major blow for New Zealand after the Springboks claimed a 29-24 victory at FNB Stadium to take a 2-1 lead in the series.
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Burger says losing Savea is comparable to the Springboks being without captain Siya Kolisi.
“I think Wallace Sititi played incredibly well when he came on,” Burger said on The Boks Unpacked X The Verdict podcast.
“What you lose in Ardie, it’s like losing Siya. I think you lose a little bit of leadership and he plays in big areas of the game.”
Burger believes Savea’s ability to influence matches in the crucial moments makes his absence particularly significant.
“In either 22, he comes alive whether on attack or going for a turnover. He’s a big-game player in the big moments, ala George Smith back in the day, so you definitely lose.”
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Savea’s absence will be another test for an All Blacks side that was unable to contain a dominant Springbok pack in the third Test.
Burger singled out South Africa’s set-piece power as a major difference between the sides, highlighting the scrum and lineout as the foundation for the victory.
“The Bok scrum was absolutely dominant and you can’t play around a failing scrum,” he said.
“The scrum and the Springbok lineout was unreal and you back that up with that maul. For me, those were the two big moments. The penalty try in the first half and then obviously the maul. That maul was incredible.”
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The post Schalla: Losing Ardie like losing Siya appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Schalk Burger believes the All Blacks are definitely weakened by the absence of Ardie Savea ahead of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series decider in Baltimore.
The post Schalla: Losing Ardie like losing Siya appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
