All Blacks Flanker Ardie Savea to Reach Century Mark in Test Against South Africa
AUCKLAND – All Blacks loose forward Ardie Savea will become the 15th All Blacks Test centurion when he lines up against South Africa this Saturday, marking a meaningful milestone in his career. The match will be a party of Savea’s dedication and impact, both on and off the field.
“We will honour his milestone with a performance that reflects not just his quality on the field, but the example he sets every day,” said a team representative.Savea will join two other centurions in the match day 23, and will be supported by several players recently debuted for the All Blacks this year, including Kyle Preston.
Alongside the celebration of Savea’s achievement, several changes have been made to the All Blacks lineup.Finlay Christie will start at halfback,replacing the injured Cortez Ratima (rib fracture),with Wallace Sititi starting at 8 and Simon Parker moving into 6. tupou Vaa’i shifts from loose forward to lock, with Fabian Holland providing impact from the bench. Tyrel Lomax and Du’plessis Kirifi re-join the 23, while Emoni Narawa comes onto the wing.
Match facts:
This will be the 109th match between the All Blacks and Springboks, with the All Blacks leading 62-42-4.
The last three matches between the sides have been decided by 6 points or less (average margin of 3.7 points). Nine of the last 14 have had a winning margin of 6 points or less. New Zealand-based fixtures have yielded every possible outcome in recent years – an All Blacks win,a draw,and a Springboks win.
The Springboks have won their last four matches against the All Blacks, including the World Cup final, and have held the All Blacks to 1 try or less in 3 of those encounters.
The All Blacks are unbeaten in their last 50 test matches at Eden Park - 48 wins and 2 draws (including a 1994 match against the Springboks).
Ardie Savea Facts:
Savea is the 15th all Blacks Test centurion and the fourth loose forward to reach the milestone.
He holds the record for the most Test tries scored by any All Blacks forward, with 30.
Savea has a 73% win ratio, with 72 wins in 99 appearances (74 starts).
* He has started 52 times in the 8 jersey, 17 times as a 7, and 5 times as a 6.
