'The Richie McCaw model, that wasn't me': Why Ardie Savea is settled at No 8

Ardie Savea played in the midfield in high school, he played like a winger for the All Black Sevens and he has played in every back-row position for the All Blacks, he’s simply deemed too good not to have on the pitch. But what position does Savea feel suits him best?

The dynamic forward is one of the most agile and damaging ball carriers in the game, in 2023 he is again one of the season leaders in tries scored in Super Rugby Pacific.

The 29-year-old credits his positional shift for being able to better express his talents and have a heavier influence on games.

“I love being able to carry the ball and get myself in the game through ball carrying,” Savea told SENZ Breakfast. “That’s one of my strengths so yeah, I love it.

“Obviously options at the back of the scrum is another option for me to get in the game so yeah I enjoy it.

“But if I had to play seven, I’d play seven also.

“I’m really easy, I’m at that stage in my career where if I’m starting then I’m just grateful and then just go out there and try and ball out or try and ball out and play freely.”

Although the period of his career where he is jumping from one position to another is over, Savea says not much has changed since he’s settled into life as a No 8.

“I don’t think I’ve had to change much, it’s just mindset around the set piece and the lineout.

“I think going to eight has suited my skillset because when I was seven, coming through the ranks, I got told to clean rucks, work-horse, engine, which is the Richie McCaw model, and that wasn’t me. So being eight’s allowed me to get around the corner, get my hands on the ball, throw some dummies, some steps.”

Savea and his Hurricanes side face the Crusaders in Super Rugby Pacific’s final regular season round this Saturday, a match Savea says his side must get up for.

“I think any team that comes up against the Crusaders has to play their best footy and that’s our mindset. They’re the champs for many years for a reason. They got some ballers in their team, Richie (Mo’unga), he drives that team well, with Scooter (Scott Barrett) as well so when we play against the Crusaders we try and bring our A game.

“I remember the game last year or the year before where we had a last-minute lineout and we lost it and game over. We’ve had some good games and this is another one.”