“I Love You”: Siya Kolisi’s Heartfelt Message to Injured All Blacks Captain Ardie Savea

• All Blacks captain Ardie Savea shared a healing update on Instagram after suffering a shoulder injury during New Zealand's loss to the Springboks in Soweto
• Savea left the field in the 30th minute of the match after sustaining the injury, with coach Dave Rennie confirming he would miss the fourth Test in Baltimore
• Springboks captain Siya Kolisi was among those who showed Savea love as he recovers

All Blacks captain Ardie Savea took to Instagram on Wednesday, 9 September 2026, to share a recovery update after sustaining a shoulder injury that cut short his appearance against the Springboks. The post featured an array of pictures as he began his healing process.

Savea's injury occurred in the 30th minute of New Zealand's 29-24 defeat at FNB Stadium in Soweto on 5 September 2026, during a cleanout by Springbok forward Jasper Wiese. Despite his early exit, he scored two tries before leaving the field.

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Head coach Dave Rennie addressed the injury in his post-match press conference in Johannesburg, speaking to Sky Sport and assembled reporters.

"Yes, shoulder injury. Not sure if it's dislocated, but he certainly won't be travelling to the States," Rennie said, confirming Savea would miss the fourth and final Test of Rugby's Greatest Rivalry in Baltimore.

Replacement Wallace Sititi stepped up after Savea's departure, and Rennie acknowledged the flanker performed competently in his captain's absence.

Quinn Tupaea's knee injury adds to All Blacks woes

Savea was not the only casualty from the Soweto clash. Chiefs midfielder Quinn Tupaea also limped off after his knee became awkwardly caught in a Springbok tackle early in the second half. He was replaced by Anton Lienert-Brown after initially attempting to play on. Rennie indicated the early assessment pointed to a medial collateral ligament injury, though the full extent remained unclear. His availability for the Baltimore Test is still uncertain.

The dual injury blow leaves the All Blacks shorthanded as they prepare for the series decider, having fallen 2-1 behind South Africa following Saturday's defeat.

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Siya Kolisi and fans rally behind Savea

What stood out on Savea's Instagram post was the warmth shown by those on the opposing side. Springboks captain Siya Kolisi was among those who showed love to his rival captain as he begins his road to recovery.

Fans from across the rugby world also flooded the comments with well-wishes:

@warrenadams1976 wrote:

"Sending best wishes and healing @ardiesavea from a 🇿🇦 fan in the 🇺🇸. Hope to see you back out there soon."

@mich_chissy_official said:

"You won our hearts 🤩🙏"

@mr_mkiva added:

"A prayer is always necessary!! 🤞🤞"

Source: Briefly News