by The former New Zealand background Jerome Kaino said there was “no roof” to push the ability of No 8 Ardie Savea against an exhausted France in Dunedin on Saturday before the first test.
Savea was at his best ball bearer this season after led Moana Pasifika to a record finish with seventh place in Super Rugby Pacific.
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Despite his impressive form, the 31-year-old missed the All Blacks Captaincy, with head coach Scott Robertson Crusaders Scott Barrett lure in the role.
“He doesn’t have a roof, he is so good,” Kaino told AFP.
“He is always tried to improve. His skills are amazing,” added the 81-time all Black.
Savea gave his test debut in 2016 as a replacement at Kaino, which is already on the field.
The Back-Rower Savea, born in Wellington, was appointed World Rugby Player of the Year in 2023 before scored four attempts in 13 tests last year.
“If you have a way of thinking and have such a skill, I don’t think you have limits what you are capable of” for “
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“I think he can still get better even though he is world class at the moment,” added the 42-year-old.
– ‘unleashed’ France talent –
Savea announced at the beginning of this month that he would return to Japan to play for Kobelco Kobe Steelers next season, which underlines his status as one of the most sought -after talents of World Rugby.
In principle, in 2018 he had agreed to join the French Club Pau before he wanted to stay in New Zealand for family reasons.
The deal in Japan did not prevent Kaino from selling a possible future move to France for Savea.
“Well, I send him the old cheeky WhatsApp and give him a little wink,” said Kaino jokingly.
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“I will say that it would be quite expensive to try to sell. He would make it amazing.”
Savea will have a major impact on the upcoming three tests against Les Bleus who have sent a second squad for the All Blacks.
Only four of the 23 of France’s six-nation winner in March flew to New Zealand with No 8 Gregory All third and the full-back Thomas Ramos.
Kaino knows the landscape of French rugby well after connecting the top 14 Giants Toulouse in 2018 before he became her assistant coach after playing a league and Champions Cup doble for booting three years later.
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“I think it will be really exciting to trigger part of the young talent that they could breed here,” said Kaino.
“But I think to leave this summer weather and go to cold New Zealand, where they will probably be in full strength. I think it will be a hard tour,” he added.
Galthie has 21 unkempt players in his squad, including the Schleifflanker Alexandre Fischer, the quick footer Tom Spring and the 24-year-old Prop Paul Mallez.
Mallez borrowed two seasons in the second stage AIX-en-Provence from Toulouse after working closely under Kaino in Stade Ernest-Wallon.
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“He has developed a lot and has recognized himself at Aix during his time and he brought some amazing appearances,” said Kaino.
“He definitely deserves his gap at the next level and I am really proud of the way he went.
“I met him a few weeks ago and he is obviously really hungry to dive directly back after just about a week and a half,” added Kaino.
IWD/e.g.
