Members of the media surround Ardie Savea after training at One NZ Stadium in Christchurch on Friday. Photo / Mike Thorpe
Savea’s “authentic self” was propped up against Twickenham’s goal post padding in November last year. Unconcerned by being in full view of photographers and anyone still in the stands, the forlorn figure sat alone in his thoughts processing a 34-19 loss to England and what he’d thought would be the end of his incredible international career.
That was 231 days ago, and many things have changed in that time. The All Blacks coaching staff, bar one, has changed completely. Savea’s own direction has changed 180 degrees. And the optimism among New Zealand’s rugby public has changed considerably, too.
Optimism is the word on everybody’s lips before the first test, especially All Blacks coach Dave Rennie – and Savea knows it.
“I think you guys have heard it, he wants us to play… optimistic, but, also with a bit of brutality. And he’s big on effort,” Savea says, reciting terms that could just as easily describe himself. Who better to lead by example?
Ardie Savea has been picked as the All Blacks captain for the new era under coach Dave Rennie. Photo / Photosport
Independent All Blacks selector and 2011 Rugby World Cup winning coach Sir Graham Henry is clearly a big believer.
“When he was captain of Moana Pasifika he played outstandingly, he led from the front. He was astronomical, if that’s the right word – I’m sure it is. He was fantastic and I think the leadership brings the best out of him,” Henry said.
Henry’s All Blacks reign featured another lead-by-example captain in Richie McCaw. But Savea is no clone, despite some obvious similarities. The current skipper speaks with greater purpose and has his own thoughts in assessing his responsibility.
“I think for me it’s just around encouraging and empowering my teammates, and the people within this legacy, to be better. Mainly better men and hopefully better players from that,” Savea said.
The 106-test loose forward was quizzed on one teammate in particular and what help he might offer him. Ruben Love has won the opportunity to start in the pivotal No 10 jersey against France after a stellar Super Rugby campaign for the Hurricanes.
“There’s something special about that boy. He don’t need any help. I go to him, ‘you’re sweet?’ He said, ‘I’m good’.”
Ruben Love (centre) will start in the No 10 jersey against France after an impressive Super Rugby campaign for the Hurricanes. Photo / Photosport
Those few words said it all for Savea.
“You’ve got to just leave space for those boys to do their thing. Told them just to be themselves, express themselves.
“Yes, test arena is different. But they got here because of who they are, so just encourage them to be them and just do their job,” Savea said.
In his team and beyond, Savea is a man of faith.
“Always. I read my devotions, my scriptures every morning. That allows me to be grateful. [To] understand the position I am in, and this team’s got an opportunity for this country and for the people.”
Sir Graham Henry believes leadership brings out the best in Ardie Savea. Photo / Mark Mitchell
Widely regarded as one of the game’s global superstars, the Wellingtonian sees his elevated place in the team as one of service. He says that’s how he was raised.
“Serving my parents and serving the people in the communities around me, and that’s the thing that I feel like I can do in this team, which is to serve my players and the people and the management.”
Among the many fans who were fortunate enough to get up close with their team during the final training run before they run out for real, were a large group of kids. Savea, no doubt a hero to many of them, had a message for them. A message from someone who has ascended to the peak of New Zealand rugby having traversed some deep valleys along the way.
“I’d say, believe in yourself. Be the light.
“In a room of darkness, shine your light. When people say you can’t, you can. Believe in yourself, break through the ceilings.
“Everything’s possible with the Lord,” Savea preached.
Ardie Savea (second left) at captain’s run before the All Blacks v France match at One NZ Stadium, Christchurch. Photo / Anna Heath
We have seen him play more than 100 tests since his debut in 2016 and we have seen him captain the All Blacks before – but we may never have seen a better version of Ardie Savea than the one that will lead his team out under the roof in Christchurch on Saturday night.
The people’s captain has the wheel.
Mike Thorpe is a senior multimedia journalist for the Herald, based in Christchurch. He has been a broadcast journalist across television and radio for 20 years and joined the Herald in August 2024.