PremiumMike ThorpeSenior journalist·NZ Herald·4 Jul, 2026 12:16 AM5 mins to read‌Ardie Savea says the role of All Blacks captain has a legacy that makes him "feel seen". Photo / Anna Heath Ardie Savea says the role of All Blacks captain has a legacy that makes him "feel seen". Photo / Anna Heath Actions, they say, speak louder than words. If that’s true, Ardie Savea’s work rate is utterly deafening. But his words speak volumes, too.

The 32-year-old is the All Blacks captain, a role that is now his. Not as a stand-in. Not because somebody else wasn’t available. Not like