Ardie Savea excited about leading New Zealand
Ardie Savea has played 52 Tests for New Zealand
©PA
Hurricanes back-row Ardie Savea admitted that he is excited about the prospect of leading New Zealand in the third Bledisloe Cup Test against Australia to be played in Perth on 5th September.
Savea, who made his New Zealand debut in 2016 will be playing his 53rd game and was appointed as captain by head coach Ian Foster after regular skipper Sam Cane is out injured while Sam Whitelock, who led them in back to back games at Eden Park is out on a paternity leave.
The 27-year-old will have the services of Brodie Retallick and Beauden Barrett as vice-captains and is now looking to make an impact as the All Blacks are looking to complete a sweep in the Bledisloe Cup having won the first two games.
“To be able to lead such a team, it’s out of this world when I think about it,” said Savea,
“And to be able to tell Mum and Dad was huge.
“Two people that migrated from Samoa to create a better life for their kids – sorry, I’m getting a bit emotional to be here for them is pretty special.
“I’m still in awe. It’s a team that you dream of as a kid, and being able to lead is amazing. I’m lost for words and really grateful.
“A big thing is just being myself and leading the way I usually lead, which is just trying to do it through actions.
“I’m not a quiet dude but I usually go about things in a quiet way, so I won’t change much.”
