Ardie Savea not counting on ABs Captaincy

An elevation to All Blacks captain is the last thing on Ardie Savea’s mind as he relishes life in Japan on and off the field.

The world player of the year will be available for the first test of the season against England on July 6, feeling refreshed already from his stint with Kobelco Kobe Steelers.

But while Savea is confident he can make a smooth transition from Japan Rugby League One and back into the black jersey, he’s more circumspect about his chances of assuming the captaincy.

New coach Scott Robertson will name his captain when he announces the squad for the two-test series with England, and many feel Savea is primed for a promotion.

That may be on permanent basis, if Robertson intends for a clean break from the previous era, or perhaps only temporary, with incumbent skipper Sam Cane under an injury cloud during his own Japanese sabbatical.

But Savea insisted he hadn’t considered what that prestigious role would mean, focusing instead on a more immediate goal.

“There’s a lot of talk of me being in this team — I need to make the team first,” said the 78-test veteran. “I’m away, I’ve been watching Super Rugby and there’s some great players that are playing.

“[The captaincy] is the last thing that’s on my mind. Being here has kind of given me a new perspective and, to be honest, it’s not even a focus.

“We’ve got new coaching staff, so I have no idea what the pecking order is or what’s even happening. We’ll just have to wait and see.”

Savea has been in infrequent contact with Robertson since the long-time Crusaders coach succeeded Ian Foster, but he has heard encouraging reports about the new regime.

“I’ve had a few conversations with Razor, just around feedback on my game and what I’m doing well and what I need to improve on or work on. It’s been minimal but it’s all that I need over here in terms of how to be better, how to get better and what I’m doing well.

“The All Blacks boys have had camps, and from what I’ve heard, it’s been pretty refreshing and pretty new and exciting, the lads have said.

“I’ve kind of just kept away from New Zealand rugby — I’ve just watched the Hurricanes boys and Bus (brother Julian) playing for Moana. But everything else, I’ve gotten away from New Zealand and just enjoying my time here in Japan.”

Along with a couple of familiar faces — Brodie Retallick is his locker-room neighbour while former Hurricanes teammate Ngani Laumape was integral to his recruitment — Savea is also enjoying the unknown after a career spent entirely in Wellington.

“It’s been it’s been real refreshing to come to a new team and just start over again and get to know people and figure things out,” he said. “When you go to Super Rugby and you play for 10 years, you know what’s expected, know what’s coming. Whereas here, I’ve come with the unknown feeling, which has kept me on my toes.

“I’ve just been enjoying and loving every moment, in terms of the footy, the team, the environment. Just everything about it.

“The food over here, the lifestyle, just being able to experience a new culture. And also the footy here is pretty class, which kind of not surprised me, but there’s really good players over here playing in this competition.

“So far, it’s been refreshing, mentally refreshing. So hopefully that pays dividends when it comes to All Blacks time. But I’m just investing myself into Kobe and trying to win a championship here.”

This article was first published on nzherald.co.nz and is republished here with permission