'No roof' to Savea ability for ex-All Black Kaino

Former New Zealand back-rower Jerome Kaino said there is “no roof” to abrasive No.8 Ardie Savea’s ability before Saturday's first Test against a depleted France in Dunedin.

- 

Savea has been at his ball-carrying best this season after leading Moana Pasifika to a record high finish of seventh place in Super Rugby Pacific.

Despite his impressive form, the 31-year-old missed out on the All Blacks captaincy with head coach Scott Robertson keeping Crusaders lock Scott Barrett in the role.

“He doesn’t have a roof, he’s that good,” Kaino told AFP.

“He's always looking to improve. His skill set is amazing,” the 81-time All Black added.

Savea made his Test debut in 2016 as a substitute with Kaino already on the field.

Wellington-born back-rower Savea was named World Rugby player of the year in 2023 before continuing that form last year scoring four tries in 13 Tests.

“When you've got a mindset and you've got a skill set like that, I don’t think you have boundaries of what you're capable of,” Toulouse assistant coach Kaino said.