Ardie Savea: Springboks Legend Blasts Rugby Star Over Reported All Blacks Revolt
- Springboks legend Steven Kitshoff has called out one of New Zealand's finest rugby players amid ongoing issues within the All Blacks camp
- The veteran South African rugby superstar is not happy with the revolt going on in the All Blacks camp, especially from senior players
- The former Boks star also referred to the South African national while sharing his thoughts about Scott Robertson's dismissal
Former Springboks star Steven Kitshoff believes Ardie Savea would not have lasted long in the South African setup had he openly confronted head coach Rassie Erasmus.
Source: Getty Images
Kitshoff was reacting to reports from New Zealand suggesting Savea played a significant role in an internal revolt against Scott Robertson, a situation that allegedly contributed to the All Blacks coach being dismissed in early January.
The sacking of Robertson has reportedly led the All Blacks to try to lure Springboks attacking, Tony Brown, back to the New Zealand Rugby national team as the new head coach.
Kitshoff hits out at Savea
Kitshoff, who ended his playing career last year after suffering a serious neck injury, said on the GameTime podcast that any form of player insubordination would be dealt with swiftly in the Springbok camp, where team values always outweigh individual status.
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According to the retired prop, Erasmus would not hesitate to drop a player who undermines the environment, regardless of reputation. He stressed that South Africa prioritises selecting players who fit the culture, not simply those with the biggest names.
Kitshoff added that Savea’s reported stance was misguided, questioning whether any player should put themselves above the collective by issuing ultimatums. While he admitted his reaction was based on what he had read, he said the situation left a bitter taste.
Source: Getty Images
That said, the Springboks legend conceded that the full details of the All Blacks saga may not be publicly known and that media reports do not always capture the entire story. From a player’s perspective, he noted, selection comes with responsibility and a clear role to fulfil.
Kitshoff shares views on Robertson's sacking
Like many rugby followers outside New Zealand, Kitshoff also feels New Zealand Rugby may have acted too quickly by removing Robertson with less than two years to go before the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
He believes the coach would have responded positively this season and worked to redirect the All Blacks’ fortunes. In his view, the moment called for leadership from senior players.
Kitshoff suggested Savea could have taken accountability for the team’s struggles and committed himself to helping restore standards. He said that kind of ownership would have earned his respect, adding that the absence of it was what disappointed him most.
Erasmus breaks silence on Brown's exit talks
Briefly News also reported that Erasmus shares the latest update on the ongoing rumours linking Springboks assistant coach Tony Brown to the All Blacks of New Zealand.
The Springboks head coach also commented on Brown's commitment with the reigning World champions ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
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Source: Briefly News
