“We’re all from the pacific, we’re all one” – Ardie Savea All Blacks captain
The All Blacks have named their 34 man squad under new coach Dave Rennie and captain Ardie Savea.
This marks the first time in All Blacks history where both captain and coach are of Pacific descent.
Dave Rennie hails from Cook Island in the village Titikaveka on Rarotonga and Ardie is a son of Samoa representing the villages of Siumu and Luatuanuu.
At the team announcement in Feilding this week, Ardie touched on the significance of the appointment and what he hopes to achieve through it.
“It is special but I believe everyone in here we’re all from the pacific, we’re all one. That is part of what we want to do, is to unite our nation. That is the way moving forward,” Ardie says.
“A united All Blacks team has the power to unite a nation. And we are going to need all five million Kiwis to get in behind us as we walk towards the challenges that are waiting for us over the next 16 months.”
Rennie spoke about the selection process handled by himself and his coaching-selection team.
“We are rapt with this squad – players with the ability to bar up to the demands of test footy but also play with optimism and brutality. We look forward to connecting on Wednesday in preparation for three big tests against France, Italy and Ireland,” Rennie says.
“Special congratulations must go to our four uncapped players. These men have each had an outstanding Super Rugby season and fully deserve their place in the squad. It will be a massively proud time for their families, friends and team mates.”
Among the four new rookies are Hurricanes players Xavier Numia and Fehi Fineanganofo.
Both played extremely well for the Hurricanes this season and were a big part of the side’s championship run in this year’s Super Rugby.
Fineanganofo scored an impressive 17 tries this Super Rugby season and now shares the competition’s all-time try scoring record with his teammate and fellow All Blacks newbie, Josh Moorby.
Earlier this year it was reported that the blockbusting wing had signed an overseas contract with the Newcastle Red Bulls. However with his outstanding performance this year, there are rumours that there might be a change to this move overseas.
So far he has not confirmed any of the speculation regarding his contract.
“I actually don’t know, I am just leaving it to my agent. I am waiting for him to come back to me,” Fineanganofo says.
In regards to his selection in the All Blacks side, he says he’s “still in shock”.
“Mum was straight into tears so it got me emotional. It’s a dream come true for all of us, me and my family.”
That same dream was also something Xavier Numia spoke about, especially as he reflected on what it meant for him and his grandparents.
The 27 year old was on the cusp of being selected last year, but unfortunately that was halted due to injury. Having now made the side on top of being crowned a Super Rugby champion, Numia says he owes it all to his family.
“My grandparents, they mean the world to me,” Numia said as he held back tears.
“Just being able to see their faces when the team gets announced, it will probably be the best feeling.
“My grandpa always talks about this. Being able to take his last name and put it on the map, it will be a true blessing for me.”
The All Blacks squad will assemble in Auckland before travelling to Christchurch for the first Test of the Nations Championship against France.
