- Ardie Savea apologizes for his contentious throat-slitting action.
- The 29-year-old Savea was given a red card by referee James Doleman.
- Savea was overshadowed by his behaviour.
MELBOURNE: Ardie Savea, a forward for the All Blacks, has apologized and acknowledged that he needs to “be better” after making a throat-slitting gesture toward an opponent during a Super Rugby Pacific match in Melbourne.
The Melbourne Rebels halfback Ryan Louwrens and Wellington Hurricanes captain Savea got into a heated argument after Savea was given a yellow card in Friday’s encounter, which the Hurricanes went on to win 39-33.
The 29-year-old Savea, who is regarded as one of the best players in the world, was given a red card by referee James Doleman for allegedly “escalating” the conflict after players from both teams got into an altercation late in the first half.
Reece Hodge, the captain of the rebels, quickly protested to Doleman that Savea’s move toward Louwrens “threatened to kill him” and that harsher punishment was required.
Savea, who has participated in 70 Tests for the All Blacks, including four as captain, later admitted to losing his anger and regretting his actions to broadcaster Stan Sport.
He said, “I can understand the fans are furious about the gesture that I made,”
“Kids are watching us, we’re in the heat of the moment. Usually, that’s out of character for me, so I put my hand up first and I apologise for that.”
Savea told the fiery encounter with Louwrens was “just normal banter in the game” and accepted it wasn’t a good look from a player regarded as a role model.
“We’re trying to clean up the game. I understand, there’s no excuse for me, I’ve got to be better.”
Savea, who played at No. 8 and dominated on the field by scoring the first two tries for the Hurricanes and assisting with the third, was overshadowed by his behavior.
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