Uncapped All Blacks prospect Peter Lakai reveals Ardie Savea’s impact

Peter Lakai has spoken about the “massive” influence Ardie Savea has had on his rise to the All Blacks. Initially named in the All Blacks XV, Lakai was later called into the top squad after Ethan Blackadder, Dalton Papali’i and Luke Jacobson suffered injuries.

Lakai is now in the mix to debut for the All Blacks when they take on Eddie Jones’ Japan at Yokohama’s Nissan Stadium on Saturday evening. Sam Cane, Samipeni Finau, Ardie Savea and Wallace Sititi are the other backrowers challenging for spots in the matchday 23.

With the New Zealander Under-20s, Wellington Lions and, of course, the Hurricanes, Lakai has always looked destined for higher honours with the All Blacks. The flanker boasts a powerful running game and a sense of fearlessness on the defensive side of the ball.

Under coach Clark Laidlaw at the Canes, Lakai was a regular starter during the team’s table-topping run during the regular season. After starting at No. 8 in the opening round of the 2024 season, the loosie started eight of the next 12 matches at openside.

The Hurricanes’ No. 7 jumper appears to be in safe hands, even though reigning World Rugby Player of the Year Ardie Savea will not return. Savea was on a sabbatical in Japan so missed this year’s campaign, but the All Black has committed to Moana Pasifika moving forward.

Savea won’t be there to lead the Hurricanes’ charge towards what they hope will be a second title in franchise history, but Lakai is a more than worthy successor. In All Blacks camp over in Japan, the uncapped Test prospect was asked to reflect on Savea’s impact.

“Ardie’s been massive,” Lakai told reporters.

“He’s a great leader, especially through his actions. Anything he does, it’s quite easy to follow a guy like him. He’s quite influential so yeah, Ardie’s been good.”

With Papali’i and Jacobson both out of contention for at least the opening Test of the All Blacks’ Northern Tour, there’s every chance Lakai gets a run on Saturday. Cane is in the incumbent from the last four Tests, while Savea is more often used at No. 8 for the national team.

Lakai has come off a strong season with the Wellington Lions, which saw the backrower seven matches at No. 8 and make three appearances at openside. The youngster scored two tries in a round three win over Manawatu, but was generally dominant throughout the campaign.

It wasn’t a complete surprise to see Lakai rewarded for that form by All Blacks coach Scott Robertson. Lakai was called into the squad, as was second-rower Josh Lord, and fans seem to be fairly positive about that forced change.

“(Robetson) called me last Monday, I was getting ready down to Lions training and he gave me the call. Everything sort of went from there and I’m here now,” Lakai said.

“I’m just looking forward to the opportunity to learn off a few older guys such as Sam and taking in some of his experience and taking my game to the next level.

“I just try and get over my detail, try not to be spoon-fed. Just get over my role and be courageous in my prep. If the opportunity comes, it comes.”

When the All Blacks are preparing to take on Japan this weekend, the Wellington Lions will be setting themselves up for their own shot at history on the same day. The Lions are through to the NPC Final where they’ll face Bay of Plenty at Sky Stadium.

If Lakai hadn’t been promoted to the All Blacks, then the loosie would’ve likely started at in the backrower for that decider alongside captain Du’Plessis Kirifi. But, the opportunity to join an All Blacks squad for the first time wasn’t one the rising star could turn down.

“I’ll be, hopefully, keeping a close eye and hopefully the lads get the job done.

“Bit of mixed feelings. Gutted I can’t finish off the season with the boys but obviously excited for the opportunity to be in here amongst one of the best footy players going around.

“Mixed feelings but just happy.”