This weekend, Ardie Savea will bring up his 100th cap for the All Blacks when they face the Springboks at Eden Park in The Rugby Championship, a milestone befitting one of rugby’s true modern greats.
Savea has built his career on tireless energy, powerful ball carrying, and fearless tackling, traits that have made him a cornerstone for every team he has represented.
From club rugby heroics to unforgettable international performances, he has consistently delivered when it mattered most.
Beyond the stats, Savea’s humility and drive have endeared him to fans worldwide, making his greatest moments all the more memorable.
Here are some of his best moments from an already outstanding career.
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2023 RWC quarter-final
Savea produced what many regarded as his finest performance in an All Blacks jersey during New Zealand‘s gripping 28–24 Rugby World Cup quarter-final win over Ireland in October 2023.
At Stade de France, Savea was at the heart of everything, scoring a crucial first-half try and driving his team forward in a bruising contest.
His relentless work at the breakdown, tireless carrying, and defensive leadership were pivotal as the All Blacks survived a 37-phase Irish onslaught in the dying minutes.
His effort epitomised New Zealand’s resilience, especially with the side reduced to 14 men for 20 minutes.
Named Player of the Match, he earned widespread praise from fans, teammates, and pundits alike, with many hailing it as a career-defining display.
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Super Rugby Pacific POTY
He was crowned the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific Player of the Year after building an unassailable lead in voting with two rounds left in the regular season.
The Moana Pasifika captain secured maximum points in Round 14 against the Blues, taking his tally to 42 votes—well clear of Tom Hooper (31) and Damian McKenzie (28).
Across his 10 appearances, Savea was a dominant force, scoring five tries, making over 350 post-contact metres, completing 110 tackles, and winning 15 turnovers.
His impact extended to Super Rugby Fantasy, where he was the top-scoring loose forward and the most-selected player for much of the competition.
Savea’s leadership and consistency not only earned admiration from peers but also drove Moana Pasifika towards their first-ever Finals appearance.
Spearheading Moana Pasifika v Blues
He was the standout figure in Moana Pasifika’s memorable Super Rugby Pacific win over the Blues in May 2025, drawing widespread acclaim for his influence.
In the 27–21 victory, Moana claimed their first-ever triumph against the Auckland powerhouse, and while Kyren Taumoefolau’s hat-trick lit up the scoreboard, it was Savea’s impact that stole the spotlight.
The All Black delivered a relentless performance, highlighted by a crucial late turnover near his own try line that sealed the result, along with a remarkable defensive clearance earlier in the match.
Fans and former teammates alike hailed his display, with many describing him as the best player in the world.
Savea’s presence not only inspired his teammates but also elevated the intensity of the contest.
Four tries in one game
In 2024, he delivered one of the standout performances of his career, scoring four tries in a single match as Dave Rennie’s Kobelco Kobe Steelers thrashed Steve Hansen’s Toyota Verblitz 57–22 in Japan Rugby League One.
Playing alongside fellow All Blacks Ngane Laumape and Brodie Retallick, Savea was unstoppable, crossing twice in each half to underline his world-class status.
His dominance helped Kobe storm into the competition’s top four, while fly-half Bryn Gatland also shone with two tries and 27 points.
The clash had extra intrigue as Rennie and Hansen, former international rivals in the coaching box, went head-to-head for bragging rights.
For Savea, on sabbatical from New Zealand duties, the performance was a reminder of his match-winning brilliance.
2023 World Player of the Year
Last but certainly not least, Ardie Savea capped off a remarkable 2023 by being named World Rugby Men’s 15s Player of the Year at the prestigious awards ceremony in Paris.
Just a day after New Zealand’s narrow Rugby World Cup final loss to South Africa, Savea stood tall on the stage at the Opera Garnier to receive the game’s highest individual honour.
The tireless number eight had been immense throughout the year, starting 11 of the All Blacks’ 12 Tests and producing a defining try-scoring display in the quarter-final victory over Ireland.
His relentless work rate, leadership, and consistency made him the heartbeat of New Zealand’s campaign.
Savea became only the sixth All Black to claim the award, joining an elite group of legends.
By Charlie Elliott
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