Schalk Burger Compares Ardie Savea Loss to Siya Kolisi Blow Ahead of 4th Test
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- Schalk Burger weighed in on Ardie Savea's absence ahead of the Rugby's Greatest Rivalry series decider in Baltimore
- Savea dislocated his shoulder during New Zealand's 29-24 defeat at FNB Stadium and will miss the fourth Test on Saturday
- Burger also highlighted South Africa's dominant set-piece as a key factor in the Springboks' third Test victory
Source: Getty Images
Ardie Savea’s injury has left the All Blacks without one of their most influential players for Saturday’s series decider against the Springboks, with former South Africa flank Schalk Burger likening the setback to losing Siya Kolisi. New Zealand confirmed that Savea’s dislocated shoulder will keep him out of the 12 September clash at M&T Bank Stadium.
Burger made the comparison while discussing Savea’s influence on The Boks Unpacked X The Verdict podcast. As reported by SA Rugby Magazine, he said:
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“What you lose in Ardie, it’s like losing Siya. I think you lose a little bit of leadership and he plays in big areas of the game.”
He further explained:
“In either 22, he comes alive whether on attack or going for a turnover. He’s a big-game player in the big moments, ala George Smith back in the day, so you definitely lose.”
Wallace Sititi faces bigger responsibility
Wallace Sititi replaced Savea during the 29-24 defeat at FNB Stadium and remains part of New Zealand’s travelling squad for Baltimore. Savea had scored twice before his injury, underlining his attacking contribution in the third Test.
However, the All Blacks are dealing with more than one injury setback. Quinn Tupaea and Luke Jacobson were also ruled out after the Johannesburg Test, according to New Zealand Rugby.
South Africa head into the finale with a 2-1 series advantage after their FNB Stadium victory.
Source: Getty Images
Springboks’ set-piece power gives All Blacks another problem
Schalk Burger believes the Springboks’ dominance at scrum and lineout time was a major reason they took control of the 3rd Test against the All Blacks at FNB Stadium.
South Africa repeatedly put New Zealand under pressure at the set-piece during the 29-24 victory on 5 September. The scrum provided a platform for territorial pressure, while the lineout helped the hosts build momentum through their driving maul.
Burger was particularly impressed by the South African pack, telling The Boks Unpacked X The Verdict podcast:
“The Bok scrum was absolutely dominant and you can’t play around a failing scrum.”
Malcolm Marx maul adds to New Zealand’s concerns
The Springboks’ forward pressure was also rewarded when Malcolm Marx crossed after a powerful driving maul.
Burger identified the passage, together with a first-half penalty try, as among the match’s decisive moments. He said the Springbok lineout was “unreal” before praising the resulting maul.
The performance gives New Zealand plenty to address before the 4th Test in Baltimore on Saturday, 12 September. The All Blacks trail 2-1 and need victory to prevent South Africa from winning the series outright.
For the Springboks, another strong showing at scrum, lineout and maul time could provide a familiar route to control in the series finale.
Springboks and All Blacks’ Baltimore payday
Briefly News previously reported that the Springboks and All Blacks are expected to earn significantly more from their 4th Test in Baltimore than they would have from the fixture in South Africa.
The reported R90-million difference for each union highlights the commercial thinking behind taking the rivalry to the United States.
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Source: Briefly News
