Sean Farrell reports from Chicago
‘LEGACY’ IS THE word Julian Savea keeps returning to when trying to convey the importance of this game, of any game, for him and the All Blacks.
New Zealanders take that silver fern seriously. It’s a tremendous honour for any family to have an All Black in the family, never mind two or more.
On Saturday, there will be a special landmark in the New Zealand rugby family as they could field two sets of brothers for the first time since 1961 when the revered Don Clarke and Colin Meads took the field with their siblings Ian Clarke and Stan Meads.
“It’s really cool. It’s an honour,” says out-half Beauden Barrett whose brother Scott will make his Test debut off the replacements bench. Beside the lock will be openside Ardie Savea, hoping to take the field with starting wing Julian.
“We’re one big family in the All Blacks. It’s just awesome to have a couple of siblings. The opportunity to run out side by side, it’s going to be a proud moment.”
The occasion will have added significance for the Barrett boys. Unlike the Saveas, who started their first Test together in September and play week-in, week-out for the Hurricanes, Beauden will play organised rugby with 22-year-old Crusader lock Scott for the very first time (outside of the back yard).
And there’s more to come: 19-year-old Jordie Barrett is travelling with the senior squad as an apprentice, getting the nerves of joining the most prestigious group of rugby players out of the way nice and early.
As for the Saveas, Ardie will win his 10th cap and Julian will hit 50. But the prolific and powerful wing isn’t keen on letting the spotlight linger long on him.
“I didn’t really think about that. But it’s a special moment. Not only for us, but for the Barretts. Beaudy has his brother in there and Jordie is part of this (tour) and no doubt he’s feeling the sort of pride I felt (the first time).
“It’s pretty special and it comes down to their hard work. Their determination to keep going. Credit to them and improving and creating their own legacy.”
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