In an Instagram Q&A with his fans, All Black flank Ardie Savea named the rugby player he would most like to play alongside one day.
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That player is none other than Springbok captain Siya Kolisi, whom Savea described as an ‘inspirational man’. The two men, who both play in the back row, have faced each other a number of times as rivals but would be devastating lining up together.
Savea was also asked whether he would consider playing for the country of his birth, Samoa, if the opportunity arose. He was unequivocal in his answer: ‘Hands down, of course I would.’
The electric back rower, who has been in fine form for the Hurricanes, also let fans know what motivated him to get out of the bed in the mornings.
‘Firstly, to provide for my family and set up my family. Secondly, to be the best in the world at what I do. And, thirdly, to leave the game of rugby in a better place, I want to pave a better pathway for the younger generation.’
Savea has been handed the captaincy for this season’s Super Rugby Aotearoa.
‘At the start, I was quite nervous but with the help of other leaders in the group I’ve really enjoyed learning and growing in that space.’
As a deeply spiritual man, Savea stated that in order to deal with nerves before a big game he will listen to worship music or sit alone and pray.
Savea was also full of praise for his older brother Julian – whom he nicknames ‘Bus’ – claiming that he was the athlete who most inspired Ardie growing up. Julian Savea has returned to the Hurricanes after a stint in France with Toulon and it’s safe to say that he has been welcomed back with open arms by his brother.
‘It’s so good having him back. There’s just something about playing footy with your brother, when there’s just this connection. It’s awesome.’
