VIDEO: 'I always try to smash Siya'
SPOTLIGHT: All Black superstar Ardie Savea loves nothing more than inflicting a bit of pain on Siya Kolisi.
With some of the biggest names in the game going hammer and tongs at each other for 80 minutes, the Springboks-All Blacks rivalry has captivated rugby fans every year.
Last year’s World Cup Final was just the latest edition in a long list of iconic matches and Savea has featured in many.
In an exclusive interview with Jim Hamilton on RugbyPass TV’s Walk the Talk show, the 2023 World Player of the Year was asked to open up on his intense rivalry with Bok lock Eben Etzebeth on the field.
However, he couldn’t help but bring up Kolisi in his answer.
(WATCH the video trailer of the Walk the Talk episode with Ardie Savea below)
“I don’t even play rugby to hurt people. I just play because I love it,” said Savea.
“Eben is a beast. I’m a fan and we had a few moments against each other, but not intentionally.
“I always try to smash Siya because he is a good mate of mine.
“People always get weird because we’ve got a great relationship, but we represent two big rugby nations.
“It’s like boys – when you are best mates you want to smash that guy.
“I always try and smash Siya, but it’s not intentional with Eben. We just happen to be two players that go bloody hard.”
Speaking on that Springboks-All Blacks rivalry, Savea said: “I always find them so tough and niggly because they are just big guys and quality players.
“They are just running straight and trying to smash you.
“It’s pretty simple and they have amazing backs and wings that can just go for days.
“If you don’t bring your A-game against them, then it’s going to be a long day.”
* Watch the video trailer or the full interview, #FREE, on RugbyPass TV!
