u/Intelligent_Taro_647

Seems a no-brainer he's locked down the spot, got more 'dominant tackles' in game 1 of the year that Savea got in the entire of 2025 wearing the 7 and was undoubtedly man of the match.

Biggest issues going forward, both Ardie and Codie want that wide channel runner job, you can't accommodate two but it's both their natural game, who plays tighter going forward ?

Darrys work rate was a thing of absolute beauty and with 4 x dominant tackles as a Lock is astounding, he owned his channel.

Ardies miss when on ruck edge defence on our line with the game in the balance is beyond worrying, has always had issues with not coming off his line and Umaga should've had this as a priority fix as it happens often--it's a badge of honour to lock down that channel in the Black jersey, the Reads, Canes, Mcaw, Kainos etc would fight for that spot, for Ardie to not even lay a hand on a runner was a gasp moment. Tired ? Sub him earlier ? Back to tackle school ?

Take into account the body of work and the false media hype around him ,mostly from his very professional P.R machine, 'Brand Ardie' has never lived upto his hype. He flaps around with ball in hand never appears high turnover lists (11 in 2025 to Frazer McReights 25 and josh Vander fliers 23).

Never gets a 'dominant tackle', never appears near the top for 'ruck effectiveness' list.

Game 2 last year the saffas were genius, let him take a few easy meters and isolate himself, turnovers galore.

Has never bettered his opposition number when vs S.A, England or France, is essentially a flat track bully/stats machine against Aussie and Argentina and last year was outplayed by Juan Martin Gonzalez

Saffas rub there hands in Glee when he plays 7.

Still has PTSD from Tom Curry destroying him in 2019 Semi final.

A quality channel running/ ball playing 8 but a barley serviceable 7.Dont believe me, check the stats.

Hoskings to Savea this morning "Rennie says he wants to play with optimism and brutality, do you agree Ardie" ? "errr, I hope so". Wow , so inspiring !

Dare say 25% of the squad will change in weeks to come. Will lose 7 or so to injury in camp like they did last year. Great for Kyle Preston , unsung hero of 2025, won the game with a late one on one tackle vs Peter Stepf at Eden Park