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Rugby
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What are critics overlooking about Ardie Savea’s delayed arrival in South Africa — and how can Beauden Barrett force his way back into the All Blacks’ test team.
Ross Karl, Bryn Hall and James Parsons examine the decision to rest the captain and how it actually effects the inner workings of the team.
They also look at a rare challenge for Beauden Barrett. After more than a decade as a near-automatic test selection, the All Blacks great now has to prove himself against the Stormers.
Plus, what really happens inside the opposition training team, whether Leroy Carter could provide emergency halfback cover, the need for another lock against the Springboks, who has more to lose in the series, Richie Mo’unga’s return and the opening weekend of the NPC.
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"What Critics Miss About Ardie’s Rest | How Beauden Gets Back" is an episode of Aotearoa Rugby Pod. Runtime 48 min. Published August 3, 2026. Hit play above to stream it here, or open the free Spot Sports app for background play and offline downloads.