Savea brothers facing each other in All Blacks vs Barbarians

By Associated Press 02 November 2017, 12:00AM

LONDON (AP) — All Blacks flanker Ardie Savea has warned older brother Julian that their first rugby match against each other won't be friendly.

The Saveas will clash when New Zealand meets the Barbarians on Saturday at Twickenham.

Julian, who has 46 tries in 54 tests, has been challenged to respond to being dropped by the world champions by starring against his compatriots from the wing.

"I haven't heard too much from home yet, but I caught up with Jules (on Wednesday), he's pretty pumped," Ardie said.

"I didn't really ask him too much about his situation. I just knew by talking to him, about the things he's done this week. But at the same time we're ready as well. I said, 'We're brothers off the field but when we go up against each other it's a different story.'"

Asked how Julian has responded to being dropped by New Zealand, Ardie said: "Just from observing him playing with the Wellington Lions, he took on that captaincy role and that's something new for him. He's enjoying playing footy again, he's running over guys again.

"He could have dropped a bit and had a sulk, but he's fighting hard, working hard, and most of all he's having fun."

Julian is looking forward to playing against Ardie.

"I am not expecting any sort of leniency," Julian said. "I'm just going to step him, go round that way!"

The Barbarians will face New Zealand for an 11th time. They beat the All Blacks at Twickenham in 2009.

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Lineups:

Barbarians: George Bridge (New Zealand), Julian Savea (New Zealand), Richard Buckman (New Zealand), Harold Vorster (South Africa), Vince Aso (New Zealand), Richard Mo'unga (New Zealand), Andy Ellis (New Zealand, captain); Luke Whitelock (New Zealand), Kwagga Smith (South Africa), Steven Luatua (New Zealand), Dominic Bird (New Zealand), Sam Carter (Australia), Atu Moli (New Zealand), Adriaan Strauss (South Africa), Jacques van Rooyen (South Africa). Reserves: Akker van der Merwe (South Africa), Ben Franks (New Zealand), Ruan Smith (South Africa), Willie Britz (South Africa), Ruan Ackermann (South Africa), Mitchell Drummond (New Zealand), Robert du Preez (South Africa), Dillon Hunt (New Zealand).

New Zealand: David Havili, Waisake Naholo, Anton Lienert-Brown, Ngani Laumape, Seta Tamanivalu, Beauden Barrett (captain), T.J. Perenara; Jerome Kaino, Ardie Savea, Vaea Fifita, Scott Barrett, Luke Romano, Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Nathan Harris, Kane Hames. Reserves: Asafo Aumua, Tim Perry, Jeff Toomaga-Allen, Patrick Tuipulotu, Sam Cane, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Lima Sopoaga, Matt Duffie.

By Associated Press 02 November 2017, 12:00AM
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