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The response that convinced All Blacks coach Dave Rennie he'd chosen the right captain

From RNZ Pacific · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources New plan
  • Ardie Savea has been named the new captain of the All Blacks rugby team.
  • Coach Dave Rennie chose Savea partly because of his quiet leadership style, emphasizing action over words.
  • Savea expressed surprise and honor at the appointment, acknowledging the pressure but turning to his faith for guidance.

Ardie Savea has been confirmed as the new captain of the All Blacks, a decision that surprised even the player himself. Coach Dave Rennie revealed that Savea's own reticence about the role was a key factor in Rennie's conviction that he was the right choice.

He's not a massive talker, so he'll lead through his actions. Certainly our recent time in Kobe, we made him captain for one game and he played through the roof.

— Dave RennieAll Blacks coach Dave Rennie explains why Ardie Savea's leadership style makes him the right choice for captain.

Rennie, who recently coached Savea in Japan, described the 32-year-old as a natural leader who "leads through his actions." He noted Savea's deep care for the team, his experience, and his high level of respect among players. Rennie recalled Savea captaining a game in Kobe, where he "played through the roof," further solidifying his suitability for the role.

I'm happy to support whatever decision you make and I'll support anyone you make captain. ... OK, let's do it.

— Ardie SaveaSavea's initial response to coach Dave Rennie about the captaincy, before accepting the role.

When Rennie called to offer Savea the captaincy, the player was at home, juggling his children's demands. He expressed his surprise, stating, "You never take it for granted, you just don't know and to be asked by the All Blacks coach, it's a huge honour." Savea conveyed his willingness to support any decision Rennie made, but ultimately accepted the role.

I was at home yesterday when I got the phone call and was half trying to listen to Renz (Rennie) and half trying to cater to my kids who were screaming my name to get them changed or something.

— Ardie SaveaSavea describes the moment he received the call from coach Rennie offering him the captaincy.

Savea acknowledged the immense pressure that comes with captaining the All Blacks. He plans to rely on his Christian faith and values to navigate the challenges ahead. "With me the more pressure, the more responsibility I have, the more I turn to my faith in the Lord and I know special things can happen," he said. Savea's immediate focus will be on the upcoming season, which includes home tests against France, Italy, and Ireland, followed by a tour of South Africa.

You never take it for granted, you just don't know and to be asked by the All Blacks coach, it's a huge honour.

— Ardie SaveaSavea expresses his feelings about being appointed captain of the All Blacks.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by RNZ Pacific. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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