Former All Blacks centre Ngani Laumape has defended Ardie Savea and slammed the criticism which has flown the back-rower\u2019s way since Scott Robertson\u2019s sacking.<\/p>\n
The 2023 World Rugby Player of the Year has been in the spotlight following NZ Rugby\u2019s decision to remove the Crusaders legend as the All Blacks head coach.<\/p>\n
Robertson<\/a> departed after a mixed couple of years in charge, but a scathing player review is understood to have had a key role in the governing body\u2019s huge call.<\/p>\n Savea<\/a> was reportedly particularly unhappy with the regime under the 51-year-old and it was claimed that he was seeking to leave New Zealand for good if a change was not made.<\/p>\n Savea yet to speak out<\/p>\n He is currently on a sabbatical at Kobelco Kobe Steelers and has so far not given his side of the story, but plenty are coming out to bat for him.<\/p>\n That includes Laumape, who has played alongside Savea for the Hurricanes and the All Blacks<\/a>, and is now at Moana Pasifika.<\/p>\n When asked about his long-time team-mate, the midfield powerhouse started off on a lighter note by joking: \u201cWho\u2019s that, sorry? Who\u2019s that guy?\u201d<\/p>\n He then addressed Savea\u2019s absence from Moana this season before referencing the current controversy surrounding the All Blacks star.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t think anyone can fill those shoes but I think for me what he did [last season] not only inspired the young Pacific kids but also inspired a whole generation of old and young,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n \u201cI just want to credit my brother for being the leader that he is. I\u2019ve been seeing that he\u2019s been getting a lot of backlash in the media but, for me, he\u2019s the man.\u201d<\/p>\n