Why Ardie Savea could pose a ‘greater’ threat off the bench at RWC

Putting passion, loyalty and rivalries aside, most rugby fans around the globe would agree that All Blacks backrower Ardie Savea is one of the best players in the world.

But looking ahead to this year’s Rugby World Cup, dual international Jeff Wilson believes the All Blacks would be better off if Savea doesn’t start in France.

Savea, who has played 70 Test matches in the black jersey, has been a mainstay of the New Zealand national team for a number of years now. The now 29-year-old made his debut in 2016 against Wales and hasn’t looked back.

After announcing himself to the rugby world with some stunning performances on the international stage – working tirelessly in the pursuit of victory – Savea has made the All Blacks’ No. 8 jersey his own, and has also captained the national team.

So, to suggest that Savea shouldn’t be in the All Blacks’ starting side is nothing short of bold.

Many would agree that the dynamic loose forward should be one of the first names on Ian Foster’s team sheet – if not the first.

But with just over two months to go until this year’s Rugby World Cup, former All Blacks winger Jeff Wilson has raised the radical selection bombshell idea.

“I’m going to throw it in right now, I’m changing our number eight,” Wilson told Sky Sport’s The Breakdown. “I’m actually changing the makeup of our bench, I believe that’s how we’ll win the World Cup.

“Around the world, the globe and how the game’s being played, the nature of the physicality you need, if you want to be a defensive dominant team, your loose forwards have to be big men.

“We moved Ardie Savea to number eight because we didn’t have a solution in that position.

“(We need) specialists in specialist positions. For me, I’m looking at a guy like Luke Jacobson… his consistency, his size, his ability to hit – I’m looking at a change.

“I’m looking at a change. I want impact from the bench, and it’s Ardie Savea for me.”

Being named the All Blacks’ Player of the Year is no easy feat. Rugby players can’t fluke that – and Savea has received the honour more than once.

For the last two years, the Hurricanes captain has received the award following outstanding international campaigns in the coveted black jersey.

Savea has been that important for the All Blacks – and it’s not hard to see why.

When the All Blacks were struggling during the first half of last year’s international campaign – which included defeats to Ireland, South Africa and Argentina – Savea was a beacon of hope.

Savea was so good, in fact, that many rugby fans believed the All Black was worthy of a nomination for World Rugby’s Player of the Year award.

The No. 8 has been reliable, relentless and “remarkable” at Test level – but could potentially pose a “greater” threat off the bench.

“Ardie is a remarkable athlete. He plays full on for 80 minutes, (but) the last 30 minutes is where we’ll win Test matches,” Wilson added.

“His impact off the bench will be greater than his first 60 minutes starting. I honestly believe that.

“For 10, 15, 20 minutes, if you ask him to replace Sam Cane – absolutely. I have no issue with him in the number seven position or at number eight depending on what you’re needing. He’s (also) played number six for the All Blacks.

“But for pure size, I’m looking on both sides of the ball, I’m looking at what France have, what Ireland have, it’s size.”

The All Blacks begin their Rugby Championship campaign against Los Pumas in Mendoza, Argentina next month.

New Zealand will then return home to face reigning Rugby World Cup champions South Africa in Auckland, before jetting off across the ditch to face the Wallabies in Melbourne.