Siya, Ardie showing ‘best of rugby’

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Former Kiwi flyhalf Jimmy Gopperth believes the relationship between Siya Kolisi and Ardie Savea perfectly captures what makes the Springbok-All Blacks rivalry so special.

The Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series has produced its fair share of controversy, but Gopperth believes one moment away from the action will endure as a reminder of the bond between South Africa and New Zealand.

After the second Test in Cape Town, Springbok captain Kolisi spotted Savea’s daughter, Kobe, on the sidelines and broke away to embrace her and her brothers.

The spontaneous gesture struck a chord with Gopperth, who was in Brazil at the time preparing to play for the Classic All Blacks.

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“Rugby, as a sport, is about camaraderie and about connecting with the players you play against and with,” Gopperth told Planet Rugby.

“The All Blacks have got such a history with South Africa. Yes, it’s war on the field. But when that whistle goes for the end of the game, they’re like a group of brothers. A lot of those players really enjoy each other’s company.

“That video with Siya and Kobe was awesome to watch. What Kolisi and Savea bring to their group as leaders is that togetherness. The best of rugby.

“The coaches and media might be getting heated about scrums and who is at fault and putting it out there to add a bit of spice. But I don’t think Kolisi and Savea will care about those shenanigans.”

Meanwhile, Gopperth believes the All Blacks need to get some fundamentals right in order to topple the Boks in the third Test at FNB Stadium on Saturday.

“They’re well in this Test series,” Gopperth said. “But they do need a platform to launch off on Saturday. And if their lineout doesn’t function, they’ve got to get it from kick return. South Africa sussed us out a little bit in this area last weekend.”

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Photo: Anton Geyser/Gallo Images

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