15 December, 2025, 6:57 am Central - 23°C Rain

Ardie Savea is excited with the new challenge of playing with Papalii and Ioane in the loose-forward

Ardie Savea is excited with the new challenge of playing with Papalii and Ioane in the loose-forward

By Navitalai Naivalurua
07/08/2021
[image: World Rugby]

All Blacks number 8 Ardie Savea is looking forward to teaming up with Akira Ioane and Dalton Papalii in the loose-forward in the Bledisloe Cup opener tonight at Eden Park.

He says he has not played with Papalii before but he is excited about the new challenge.

Savea says they might have some fun at times but when it's game time they cover for each other.

Insert: Savea on loose forwards

Since Kieran Read retired, both Savea and Hoskins Sotutu have been utilised in the Number 8 position.

The All Blacks have played the Wallabies 170 times with the Men in Black winning 117 games, lost 45 matches and drawn 8 times.

The last time the Wallabies won a match at Eden Park was in 1986 where they beat the All Blacks 22-9 and 2002 was the last year they won the Bledisloe Cup.

Sevu Reece and George Bower have been named in the starting line-up for the All Blacks while Rob Valetini will feature for the Wallabies.

The All Blacks will face the Wallabies in the Bledisloe opener at 7.05 tonight.

FNRL
FEATURE NEWS
TD03F to impact Fiji from tomorrow night as centre of system expected to enter Fiji waters on Tuesday
People are urged to remain vigilant and prepare, as the effects of Tropical Depression TD03F are expected to be felt from tomorrow night, as the centr...
16 hours ago
LATEST NEWS
Two gunmen open fire at Bondi Chanukkah event, 10 confirmed dead
A gunman has been shot dead and another is being treated after opening fire on Bondi beach, killing 10 people in what is believed to be a targeted ...
10 hours ago

Southern Division records 30% decline in serious crime
The Southern Division of the Fiji Police has recorded reductions in crime during the first quarter of the 2025–2026 financial year, highlighting ...
14 hours ago

Raiwai man arrested for aggravated robbery outside Milverton Road Top Shop this morning
A 23 year old man residing in Raiwai was arrested and taken into custody, in relation to an aggravated robbery case in Raiwaqa this morning.The ...
14 hours ago

Fiji Museum to host 2 day Bakanawa canoe making holiday programme from tomorrow
The Fiji Museum is hosting a 2-day Bakanawa Canoe Making Holiday Programme starting from tomorrow aimed at providing children and youths with a ...
15 hours ago

Barbara O'Neill and Dr Rajesh Maharaj to appear on fijivillage Straight Talk at 7pm Wednesday
Naturopath and nutritionist, Barbara O'Neill and former President of Fiji College of General Practitioners and General Practitioner with special ...
16 hours ago



Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
IN DEPTH
Sonia Shanaaz says silent treatment hurts as she waits for assistance for her daughter with cerebral palsy
Sonia Shanaaz, the mother of 10-year-old Aarna who was born with cerebral palsy, says silent treatment hurts after she reached out to the ...
3 days ago

I do not support police officers being charged on public opinions and without evidence - COMPOL
Commissioner of Police Rusiate Tudravu says he will stand by his officers, and he does not support any officer being charged based on public opinion ...
3 days ago

Dubai 7s 2025
The Fiji Airways Men’s National 7s side are working on their fitness as they prepare for the start of the 2025/2026 World 7s Series this ...
7 days ago

TOP