Ardie vows to ‘smash’ mate Siya
All Blacks captain Ardie Savea has issued a competitive challenge to Springbok skipper Siya Kolisi ahead of their upcoming Test match in Soweto. Despite their close personal friendship, Savea emphasized that the intensity of the rivalry remains high once the match begins.
Why it matters
This match represents a significant event in international rugby, highlighting the cultural and sporting importance of the All Blacks-Springboks rivalry.
All Blacks captain Ardie Savea has thrown down a cheeky but pointed challenge to Springbok skipper Siya Kolisi ahead of Saturday’s third Test at FNB Stadium. CLINTON VAN DER BERG reports.
Savea promised fireworks between the two close friends when the whistle blows.
Asked on Friday afternoon about Kolisi currently holding an unofficial 1-0 edge over him in the tackle stats, thanks to a ferocious hit on him in Cape Town, Savea made clear that friendship counts for nothing once the game starts.
“I told him, next time, tackle me frontwards, take me home,” Savea said, laughing off the previous hit. “I was lying on the ground and all I could hear was my dad’s voice telling me to get up. So I got up.
Siya Kolisi with a massive hit on Ardie Savea 💣
📺 Stream #RugbysGreatestRivalry on DStv: https://t.co/0P0NNhnwKw pic.twitter.com/ZwNwMFJMlP
— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) August 29, 2026
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