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All Black Ardie Savea crowned World Rugby player of the year
By Josh Raisey
Ardie Savea has been crowned the World Rugby men’s player of year for the first time.
The No8 was immense for the All Blacks in their World Cup campaign, and shone in the final despite narrowly losing to South Africa 12-11.
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The 30-year-old beat World Cup winner Eben Etzebeth, 2021 winner Antoine Dupont and Ireland’s Bundee Aki to the award.
Savea was also included in the dream team, while his teammate Mark Telea was named the breakthrough player of the year.
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The writer here ignores the fact that, following on from not taking the penalty kick, the All Blacks did manage to score a try a few minutes later. Not directly from the penalty awarded, but it is speculation to say that had they opted to take the koi they would have won. Even if they kicked it, which was no guarantee, they would still be trailing and would have had to start again at half-way.
Go to commentsI would be surprised if Sales Opoku Fordjour and Northampton’s Tommy Freeman are not in the team, Anthony Watson is also one that could go on the wing. One thing I must say is that the front 3 will get destroyed against a team like South Africa.
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