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Ardie finally saves with a mouth guard, against Argentina.
After a stern warning from his employer, All Blacks No. 8 Ardie Savea took off running Saturday against Argentina with his mouth guard firmly in place.
Earlier in the week New Zealand Rugby said they are “incredibly disappointed” by Savea’s persistence in not wearing a mouth guard, acknowledging that they needed to take serious action against “repeat offenders”.
Savea could be seen with her upper teeth uncovered during the Bledisloe Cup test in Auckland, breaking the NZ Rugby players’ collective agreement.
NZ Rugby General Manager for Professional Rugby and Performance, Chris Lendrum, was “aware of the problem and will resolve it with all of our players.”
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Ardie Savea, teeth and all, scores a try during the Bledisloe Cup match between the All Blacks and Australia at Eden Park.
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The big loose striker listened and could be seen sporting a bright pink mouth guard against Argentina, as he spoke to referee Angus Gardner.
The use of a mouth guard is not part of the laws of World Rugby.
But they were made mandatory at the under-19 level and below in New Zealand in 1997, then at the provincial level in 1998, and about 15 years ago the directive for all players was introduced, understood as to aid the safety of players, protect yourself against potential medical costs and set a good example for youth players.
Kai Schwoerer / Getty Images
NZ Rugby boss Chris Lendrum said he didn’t see Savea without a mouth guard, but if that was the case, it was “incredibly disappointing.”
After missing the third round due to paternity leave, Savea returned for the final second round Bledisloe / Tri Nations match in Brisbane last Saturday.
He was arguably the best player on the road in their 24-22 loss. But he could clearly be seen without wearing a mouth guard at all times.
“We hope that our professional players will set the standard and the role model for all of our players in the community and their whānau,” Lendrum said when asked about Things on Wednesday’s topic.
