Julian Savea on All Blacks Fame, Near-Death at 4, and Fears for Rugby's Future

Key facts

• Julian Savea, All Blacks great, scored 46 tries in 54 tests.
• Savea nearly died at age 4 from a severe illness.
• He admits he 'got lost in it a bit' during his rugby career.
• Auckland rugby team has won 17 NPC titles, most recent in 2018.
• Auckland is on a loss streak in their last 5 games.
• Jimmy Roots required 36 stitches in his ear, earning the nickname 'Vincent van Gogh'.
• New Zealand U20 made seven changes to starting XV for Argentina match.
• Blues' Stephen Perofeta to start at fullback against Moana Pasifika.

The Rise of a Titan

Julian Savea, one of New Zealand's most prolific try-scorers, has reflected on his journey from a childhood brush with death to the pinnacle of world rugby. At age 4, Savea nearly died from a severe illness, an experience that shaped his perspective on life and sport. 'I definitely got lost in it a bit,' he admitted, referring to the intense focus required to become an All Blacks legend. Savea's career saw him score 46 tries in 54 tests, a record that places him among the finest wingers in the game's history. His physicality and speed made him a nightmare for defenses, but the mental toll of elite competition was significant. Now, as he contemplates life after rugby, Savea is eyeing a new career in business, leveraging the discipline and resilience he honed on the field.

Fears for Rugby's Future

Despite his success, Savea has voiced concerns about the direction of professional rugby. He worries that the sport's increasing commercial pressures and physical demands may alienate players and fans alike. 'It is inevitable that new owners will bring new ideas that English rugby may not be comfortable with,' a senior official noted, reflecting broader anxieties about the game's evolution. Savea's fears echo those of other players who see the sport at a crossroads. The rise of private investment, while bringing financial stability, risks eroding traditional values. 'Every sporting club is asking for that,' a club executive said of investment plans, highlighting the tension between growth and authenticity.

Auckland's Struggles and Resilience

The Auckland rugby team, the most successful in NPC history with 17 titles, is currently enduring a difficult spell. Their last five games have ended in defeat, a rare losing streak for a side accustomed to dominance. The team's most recent title came in 2018, and since then, they have struggled to recapture their former glory. In the midst of this slump, prop Jimmy Roots suffered a gruesome ear injury requiring 36 stitches. His teammates dubbed him 'Vincent van Gogh,' a darkly humorous nod to the artist who famously cut off his ear. The incident underscores the physical toll of the sport, even as the team fights to reverse its fortunes.

Super Rugby and National Team Moves

Auckland's affiliate, the Blues, have made a key selection decision for their upcoming Super Rugby Pacific clash against Moana Pasifika. Stephen Perofeta will start at fullback, taking the helm in a match that could define their season. Meanwhile, the New Zealand U20 side has made seven changes to their starting XV for their encounter with Argentina, signaling a shift in strategy. All Black great's nephew has been named at first five for the NZ U20s in their match against Australia, a testament to the enduring legacy of rugby families. These developments highlight the depth of talent in New Zealand rugby, even as the senior team faces questions about its future.

The Road Ahead

As Savea contemplates his next chapter, the sport he helped define is grappling with its own transformation. The Auckland team's loss streak may be temporary, but the broader challenges facing rugby—commercialization, player welfare, and global competition—are not. Savea's candid reflections serve as a reminder that even titans can feel lost, and that the game's soul is worth protecting. For now, the focus remains on the field. The Blues' clash with Moana Pasifika, the U20s' development, and Auckland's quest to end their losing streak will dominate headlines. But behind the scores and stitches, the conversation about rugby's identity continues—led by those who have given everything to the game.

The bottom line

• Julian Savea nearly died at age 4, an experience that shaped his resilience and later his fears for rugby's future.
• Savea scored 46 tries in 54 tests for the All Blacks, cementing his legacy as one of the game's greats.
• Auckland rugby, the most successful NPC team with 17 titles, is on a five-game losing streak.
• Jimmy Roots required 36 stitches for an ear injury, highlighting the physical risks of the sport.
• The Blues have named Stephen Perofeta at fullback for their Super Rugby match against Moana Pasifika.
• New Zealand U20 made seven changes to their lineup for Argentina, and an All Black's nephew starts at first five against Australia.