Savea says 100th Test is extra special coming against the Boks

Ardie Savea has paid tribute to those who made his rugby career possible, adding that his 100th Test match for the All Blacks was all the more special coming against their greatest rivals, the Springboks, at New Zealand's home fortress of Eden Park.

- Nicholas Zaal

The teams clash in the third round of the Rugby Championship tomorrow (kick-off 9.05am) at the Auckland venue, where the All Blacks are unbeaten in their last 50 Test matches dating back to 1994.

Savea, who led the haka in the 100th Test between the two sides in 2021, will start at openside flank.

"You couldn't ask for anything more as a footie player. Huge respect to the Springboks, and we hugely respect Eden Park and our home," said Savea, the 2023 World Rugby Player of the Year.

The 31-year-old four-time New Zealand Player of the Year, former All Blacks captain and current vice-captain called the match the culmination of his rugby dream.