It’s always a heartwarming scene when players, who have achieved so much in the game, reunite with the characters and the environments that started them off on their initial journey. In terms of big characters, there are currently very few bigger in the modern game, than Ardie Savea.
Over the past few years, Savea has proven himself to be one of the greatest in the game, with many fans happy to suggest that not only is he one of New Zealand’s best players within the current roster of players, but perhaps one of the greatest to have ever pulled on the black shirt.
Whilst it would be easy for Savea to get carried away with the praise that showers him wherever he goes, the backrower has proven that despite the rugby stratosphere he finds himself in, he does not forget his roots.
Recently Pictured playing for Wellington-based side, Oriental Rongotai Rugby Club, Savea donned the number 15 shirt in a wonderful display of the professional game meeting the grassroots game. During the match, the 16-stone forward manifested the skill set of his older brother, Julian, with some fast footwork and a neatly notched over try in the corner.
Grassroots update: Ardie Savea playing fullback for Ories pic.twitter.com/rOw7bynFPU
— Jamie Wall (@JamieWall2) June 17, 2023
Check the footage here:
Footage of Ardie turning out for Ories against @PonekeFC at the Polo Ground. Commentators seem a bit star struck: pic.twitter.com/1s5Zxo9Kmh
— Jamie Wall (@JamieWall2) June 17, 2023
Ardie scoring off a questionable bit of handling from the number eight, cameraman more keen on the scrap back upfield: pic.twitter.com/G63lEEQgHN
— Jamie Wall (@JamieWall2) June 17, 2023
Savea is expected to travel to France for his second World Cup, as the All Blacks look to re-establish their reputation which has taken hit a minor setback or two in recent times. The former world champions currently sit in third place in the world rankings, behind tournament favourites Ireland and France.
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