Schalk Burger has pointed out that the All Blacks' lineup has taken a hit with Ardie Savea out injured before the series-deciding Rugby's Greatest Rivalry match in Baltimore. With Savea sidelined for the upcoming Saturday’s Test, New Zealand feels the sting of his absence, especially after a recent defeat where the Springboks secured a 29-24 win to lead the series 2-1.
Burger compared the impact of Savea’s absence to the Springboks losing their captain, Siya Kolisi. His thoughts were shared on The Boks Unpacked X The Verdict podcast:
"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."
According to Burger, Savea's knack for turning up in critical moments renders his loss significant. He elaborated on Savea’s role, describing him as a pivotal player, reminiscent of the legendary George Smith, whose presence is most felt during crucial phases of the game.
The deficiency in the All Blacks' squad was noticeable as they struggled against the Springbok's robust pack in the third test. Burger didn't hold back on praising the South African team's strengths that were crucial to their victory:
"The Bok scrum was absolutely dominant and you can’t play around a failing scrum. The scrum and the Springbok lineout was unreal and you back that up with that maul. For me, those were the two big moments. The penalty try in the first half and then obviously the maul. That maul was incredible."
The upcoming match poses another challenge for the All Blacks to counter the formidable South African set pieces which have played a significant role in the outcomes so far. With Savea absent, the pressure mounts for New Zealand to find a new strategy to contain the Springboks' power play.
As the series heads into its climactic conclusion, all eyes will be on how both teams adjust their tactics and lineups to claim the ultimate victory. The stage is set for an exhilarating showdown in Baltimore, where rugby history could witness another unforgettable chapter.
Indeed, the All Blacks must dig deep to overcome this setback. Their response to this adversity will be crucial if they aim to rebalance the scales in this fierce rivalry.
