Ardie Savea after his 100th All Blacks Test Match cap.
Photo: Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz
Ardie Savea thrives under pressure and he wants more.
The All Blacks loose forward and vice captain produced another outstanding performance in Saturday night’s 24-17 win over the Springboks, which kept the 31-year unbeaten streak at Eden Park alive and kept New Zealand at the top of the Rugby Championship standings.
It also happened to be his 100th test.
“Every win is special in the All Black jersey, but that one in particular, there was a lot riding on that game. It means a lot, mate,” Savea said.
“I’m really grateful to be able to get the win with the brothers. We worked really hard and prepped really hard for this one tonight. So, yeah, we’ll enjoy it.”
Ardie Savea is presented his 100th All Blacks Test Match cap by wife Saskia.
Photo: Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz
Savea was presented with a Springboks jersey and gifts by South Africa players Siya Kolisi and Jesse Kriel and he received the special silver cap from his wife Saskia for playing 100 tests for the All Blacks.
He soaked up the moment with his family close by, including his children and brother, former All Black Julian Savea.
“I’m just happy that this occasion was able to bring people together,” Savea said.
“My family come up, my best mates come up, Codie’s (Codie Taylor, who played his 100th test recently) family is up. So it’s a special time to come together as people.
“It was more emotional during the week when you’re sitting on the bus and just reflecting and I think I’ll take a bit of time tonight. But yeah, just really grateful, mate. It’s not often you get to play 100. I’m just truly blessed.”
After a tepid loss in Argentina and the Eden Park record on the line against the world champion Boks, the All Blacks were under an enormous amount of pressure to perform.
Savea said he wouldn’t have it any other way.
“I think keep bringing the pressure. You guys (media) do a great job building that pressure. I think as a player you thrive on that and it makes you want to do better.
“That’s what the people of this nation deserve and that’s what we’re expected as All Blacks to do. So for me, I love it. It gets the knots in the gut going and makes me want to perform for the people.”
Ardie Savea receives gifts and a Springboks jersey from South Africa’s Jeese Kriel and Siya Kolisi.
Photo: Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz
Savea secured a turnover penalty near the end of the match with the South African’s attacking the All Blacks tryline. It was a crucial play at a crucial time and helped the hosts seal the seven point win.
“I need to stop waiting until the 78th minute to get a turnover. I need to get stuck into it more,” Savea joked.
“We talk about being where your mate needs you to be. You try for those moments and you dream for those moments. I just try and anticipate the play and it pulled off on that one.”
Savea said it was great the All Blacks were able to rise to the occasion at Eden Park, but said they want every ground in the country to become a fortress.
“Every stadium in New Zealand is our home and that’s the mindset we should have. We shouldn’t wait until Eden Park to get up and put in a performance like that.
“We’ll enjoy tonight and then go back down to Wellington and try and go there and do a job.”
Savea was wearing a special pair of boots for his 100th test, which had some special artwork on the sides.
“I had the cross and my wife and my kids. That’s the backbone of me, mate.”
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