All Blacks captain Ardie Savea has praised South Africa for the “unity” they showed during the Greatest Rivalry series between New Zealand and the Springboks.
The 32-year-old led the Kiwi team to a 33-16 victory against the Boks at Ellis Park over the weekend.
Both Ardie and Springboks captain have developed a firm friendship on and off the pitch.
ARDIE SAVEA PRAISES SOUTH AFRICAOn his social media platforms, Ardie Savea reflected on the All Blacks’ victory against the Springboks at Ellis Park.
Whilst he could’ve used the opportunity to gloat about his team’s sweet victory, the rugby captain showed love and appreciation to South Africa instead.
Ardie posted clips of Springbok fans welcoming and congratulating him, singing the national anthem, and dancing to the unofficial one, Sister Bethina. He also included a clip of Airlink’s double flyover at the stadium as an ode to the Greatest Rivalry series.
In another pic, Ardie’s two youngest children were seen wearing Springbok replica kits
“Unity”, the 32-year-old skipper captioned the touching post.
‘WE RESPECT THE SPRINGBOKS’
Speaking ahead of the match, Ardie Savea revealed his excitement at playing at Ellis Park, which he claimed was one of the “best places you want to play”.
He told the media of the venue: “You run out, you see the Springbok warriors coming out, the crowd … You always get goosebumps when you come play here….As All Blacks, we love those moments.”
He added: “We respect the Springboks and the world-class alpha they are, but I believe we’re just as quality. Hopefully, we go out there and put on a spectacle.
“Every game against the Boks is challenging, and they’re at the peak of their game. It takes you to places where you question yourself, but as an All Black, that’s where you want to be.”
The All Blacks and Springboks will play two more test matches in South Africa, at DHL Stadium and FNB Stadium, over the next two weeks. They will play their final match in the Greatest Rivalry series in the US.