Ardie Savea has gone up against some of the biggest names in world rugby, but one Springbok stands above the rest when it comes to his toughest opponent.
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The All Blacks superstar has established himself as one of the outstanding forwards of his generation since making his Test debut in 2016.
Capable of playing across the back row, Savea’s explosive carrying, breakdown work and relentless engine have made him a nightmare for opposition sides.
His performances reached another level during the 2023 Rugby World Cup, with Savea subsequently crowned World Rugby Men’s 15s Player of the Year following a stunning individual campaign.
The All Blacks star’s future has also been a major talking point, with Ardie Savea recently dropping a huge hint over his future ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
But when it came to naming the toughest opponent he has faced during his career, Savea didn’t hesitate.
Pieter-Steph du Toit
His answer was Springboks powerhouse Pieter-Steph du Toit.
The South African has been one of the defining forwards of the modern era, playing a major role in the Springboks’ back-to-back Rugby World Cup triumphs in 2019 and 2023.
Renowned for his extraordinary work-rate and ferocious defence, Du Toit has become a cornerstone of the Springbok pack.
He was named World Rugby Player of the Year in 2019 before winning the prestigious award for a second time in 2024, becoming only the fourth men’s player to win it more than once.
At 2m tall, Du Toit combines the physicality of a lock with the mobility and engine required to dominate from blindside flanker.
He remains a crucial figure for Rassie Erasmus, with South Africa continuing to dominate the conversation around the game’s leading players. RUCK recently named Du Toit in an updated World XV dominated by Springboks stars.
Savea’s ultimate rival
Savea and Du Toit have regularly found themselves on opposite sides of rugby’s greatest international rivalry.
Both have played starring roles in some huge battles between New Zealand and South Africa, including the 2023 Rugby World Cup final, when the Springboks edged the All Blacks 12-11 in Paris.
So when a player of Savea’s calibre singles out Du Toit as the toughest opponent of his career, it’s quite the compliment.
Two world-class back-rowers, two World Rugby Player of the Year winners — and two players who have helped define their generation.
2027 Rugby World Cup draw confirmed: England play Wales
As the host nation, Australia was placed in Pool A, while the rest of the line-up was revealed as the teams were drawn.
Men’s Rugby World Cup is heading to Australia and organisers announced that it would be bigger than ever in welcoming the world: 24 nations and territories, seven cities, six weeks, one cup. Fans had been invited to register their interest for pre-sale details.
World Rugby Chair Brett Robinson was joined on stage by former Rugby World Cup winner and All Blacks legend Dan Carter, Australia’s most-capped male player, James Slipper, and Australian Olympics gold medallist, Alicia Lucas, as they conducted the draw.
Each of the six pools featured a team from Bands 1, 2, 3 and 4.
The confirmed Bands based on rankings were:
Band 1: South Africa, New Zealand, England, Ireland, France, Argentina
Band 2: Australia, Fiji, Scotland, Italy, Wales, Japan
Band 3: Georgia, Uruguay, Spain, USA, Chile, Tonga
Band 4: Samoa, Portugal, Romania, Hong Kong China, Zimbabwe, Canada
2027 Rugby World Cup draw:
Pool A
New Zealand – Perennial contenders with flair, power and unmatched rugby IQ.
Australia – Unpredictable but dangerous, capable of brilliance on their day.
Chile – Fast-improving newcomers bringing passion and fearless physicality.
Hong Kong China – Skillful, energetic, and eager to prove themselves on the global stage.
Pool B
South Africa – Brutal, relentless, and brutally efficient—never count them out.
Italy – Developing rapidly, mixing strong set-piece work with expanding ambition.
Georgia – Scrum specialists with raw forward strength and growing all-round polish.
Romania – Proud and powerful, known for toughness and unwavering fight.
Pool C
Argentina – Dynamic, crafty, and fiercely competitive with a never-say-die spirit.
Fiji – Magical offloads, searing pace, and unique unpredictability.
Spain – Determined climbers building consistency and confidence every year.
Canada – Physical and committed, working to regain their traditional sharpness.