Ardie Savea Hits 100 Tests as All Blacks Prepare for Springbok Showdown at Eden Park

A Century of Black Jerseys

Few stadiums hold the weight of rugby history quite like Eden Park. On Saturday night, it becomes the backdrop for a milestone that cements Ardie Savea’s place among New Zealand’s greats. The 31-year-old loose forward will run out for his 100th Test, becoming only the 15th All Black to join rugby’s most exclusive club of centurions.

Savea’s journey began in 2016 against Wales, though his black jersey story was written long before that with stints in the Under-20s and the sevens circuit. Against the Springboks, he’s been a constant thorn, facing them 15 times and even captaining New Zealand in their historic 100th clash back in 2021. Now, fittingly, his own 100th comes against the Boks – the team that has pushed the All Blacks to their limits for over a century.

A Fresh Face On The Bench

While Savea represents the past decade of consistency, Saturday also marks the rise of a fresh name. Kyle Preston, a halfback whose rise borders on storybook, could earn his debut off the bench. Just two years ago he was making his first NPC appearance for Wellington. Last season he was their top try scorer. Earlier this year he scored a hat-trick on his Super Rugby debut for the Crusaders. Now, he’s poised to wear the black jersey for the first time, with head coach Scott Robertson backing him to thrive under pressure.

Balancing Experience And New Energy

Robertson described Savea as “the embodiment of everything that makes an All Black,” praising his leadership, mana, and relentless energy. But he also pointed to Preston and three other 2025 debutants as proof that the next generation is ready to carry the torch.

The matchday squad reflects that balance. Alongside Savea, veterans like Beauden Barrett, Jordie Barrett, and Codie Taylor anchor the team. Meanwhile, youngsters Wallace Sititi and Simon Parker step into starting roles, while Tyrel Lomax and Du’Plessis Kirifi bring firepower off the bench.

All Blacks vs Springboks: More Than Just A Test

In New Zealand, centurions are rare treasures. In South Africa, Savea’s milestone will be viewed through a different lens: respect for his longevity, but also as extra motivation to spoil the party. The Springboks, themselves stacked with centurions like Siya Kolisi and Eben Etzebeth, know what it takes to rise in these high-pressure clashes.

Fans online have already framed this Test as another epic in the rugby rivalry that defines the sport. Many Kiwi supporters are celebrating Savea’s milestone with hashtags like #Ardie100, while South African fans see it as a chance to measure themselves against one of the game’s most relentless competitors.

Kickoff

For Savea, the number 100 is less about personal accolades and more about what it means for the black jersey. For Preston, it’s the start of a dream. And for everyone else – whether in the stands at Eden Park or watching from a packed pub in Joburg – it’s another chapter in rugby’s fiercest rivalry.

Kick-off: Saturday, Eden Park, Auckland, 09:00 am SAST

Source:SABC Sports 

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