How do you feel after being voted the best player in the world for the year 2023?Ardie Savea: I am very honored and grateful to have received this award. But we lost last night (Saturday in the World Cup final against South Africa, Editor’s note), it really hurts… So it’s nice to end on something positive.
Does this title help to overcome the defeat? No, it doesn’t compensate at all. I would have preferred to win the World Cup and say goodbye to my brothers (Aaron Smith, Sam Whitelock, Brodie Retallick, Dane Coles) who played their last match with the All Blacks in that final. But we’re going to get together and spend time together… It really hurts and I think it’s going to be worse when I get on the plane and everything is calm and I have fifteen hours to think about it. It’s one of the worst defeats of my career…
Were you devastated after that narrow point loss? I try to find the positive when things aren’t going well. This (Sunday) morning, when I woke up, I saw my wife and my children, and I realized how lucky I am. It’s just a game. Even if it hurts me and an entire country…
What was the group like when they woke up on Sunday morning? There was a lot of pain. They got up early and took the plane back. It was very quiet, not many people spoke. We will have time to think about it.
As you mentioned, the All Blacks will have to rebuild after the departures of emblematic players…There will be changes next year. And sometimes, change is good. But there are plenty of young guys in this team who will potentially be there in Australia for the next World Cup. Fortunately, they bring new blood.
And you, you are 30 years old, will you be there at the next World Cup? My wife said to me this morning jokingly: “Ah ah, but you’ll be too old!” (Laughs) I’m not sure (about participating) yet. I will first take advantage of my free time in the coming weeks. Then we’ll see what happens…
You’re going to try an adventure in Japan…Oh I love Japan! I can not wait. I love the people, the culture, the food, the ramen! I am very impatient. I’m also going to meet some friends there.