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
Springbok set-piece draws Burger's praise
Beyond Savea's absence, Burger pointed to South Africa's set-piece as the defining factor in the third Test, singling out both the scrum and the lineout as areas where the Springboks held a decisive edge.
"The Bok scrum was absolutely dominant and you can't play around a failing scrum," he said.
"The scrum and the Springbok lineout was unreal and you back that up with that maul [resulting in Malcolm Marx's try]. For me, those were the two big moments. The penalty try in the first half and then obviously the maul. That maul was incredible."
Marx's try, set up by a driving maul, was one of the standout moments of the match and further underlined South Africa's physical superiority at the set-piece. The All Blacks will need to find answers to that dominance if they are to level the series in Baltimore on Saturday.
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
