The fallout from Scott Robertson's dismissal as All Blacks head coach continues to swirl, particularly around Ardie Savea, the 2023 World Rugby Player of the Year. Savea, currently on sabbatical with Kobelco Kobe Steelers, has remained silent amidst the storm. However, his former teammate Ngani Laumape has come to his defense, criticizing the selective leaking of player reviews.
Laumape, who has shared the field with Savea at the Hurricanes and the All Blacks, and now plays for Moana Pasifika, initially lightened the mood with a jest, asking, "Who’s that, sorry? Who’s that guy?" before diving into the heart of the issue. He praised Savea's impact both on and off the field, emphasizing his inspirational role. "I don’t think anyone can fill those shoes but I think for me what he did [last season] not only inspired the young Pacific kids but also inspired a whole generation of old and young," Laumape remarked.
"For me, he’s the man."
When pressed about the criticism targeting Savea, Laumape expressed his frustration over the handling of the confidential review. "Yeah, for sure," he said, annoyed by the focus on Savea. "There were more people that were in those meetings and it’s pretty bullcrap that only his name was out there. I know there’s probably about 10 players in that leadership group who were also in that review."
"If one name comes out then I feel like all of them should come out. It’s supposed to be a private review and it’s crazy how Ards’ name just comes out of that review."
Despite the controversy, Laumape affirmed his and Moana Pasifika's support for Savea, anticipating his return to the field. "Like I said, he’s the man and I’m sure he’s enjoying his time at Kobe Steelers. No matter what, myself and the Moana boys have got his back. He will come back a better player and we’re looking forward to him coming back and putting on that Moana jersey," he concluded.
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The fallout from Scott Robertson's dismissal as All Blacks head coach continues to swirl, particularly around Ardie Savea, the 2023 World Rugby Player of the Year. Savea, currently on sabbatical with Kobelco Kobe Steelers, has remained silent amidst the storm. However, his former teammate Ngani Laumape has come to his defense, criticizing the selective leaking of player reviews.
Laumape, who has shared the field with Savea at the Hurricanes and the All Blacks, and now plays for Moana Pasifika, initially lightened the mood with a jest, asking, "Who’s that, sorry? Who’s that guy?" before diving into the heart of the issue. He praised Savea's impact both on and off the field, emphasizing his inspirational role. "I don’t think anyone can fill those shoes but I think for me what he did [last season] not only inspired the young Pacific kids but also inspired a whole generation of old and young," Laumape remarked.
"For me, he’s the man."
When pressed about the criticism targeting Savea, Laumape expressed his frustration over the handling of the confidential review. "Yeah, for sure," he said, annoyed by the focus on Savea. "There were more people that were in those meetings and it’s pretty bullcrap that only his name was out there. I know there’s probably about 10 players in that leadership group who were also in that review."
"If one name comes out then I feel like all of them should come out. It’s supposed to be a private review and it’s crazy how Ards’ name just comes out of that review."
Despite the controversy, Laumape affirmed his and Moana Pasifika's support for Savea, anticipating his return to the field. "Like I said, he’s the man and I’m sure he’s enjoying his time at Kobe Steelers. No matter what, myself and the Moana boys have got his back. He will come back a better player and we’re looking forward to him coming back and putting on that Moana jersey," he concluded.