What Ardie Savea did after Springboks defeat has won over South African fans

The New Zealand captain spent time with a local family following Saturday's brutal 29-24 defeat against the Springboks, sharing pictures from a home-cooked lunch on social media.

Savea posted a group photo from the gathering alongside the message: “Family lunch ??? Thank you Mum for hosting us – Dumplings was ?”

One of his hosts then shared a picture of Savea at the house and wrote: “Thank you for coming to my house and allowing my mom to cook for u sir @ardiesavea ???”

The gesture certainly went down well with supporters.

One fan responded: “@ardiesavea has stolen the hearts of all South Africans ??”

Another joked about the restorative qualities of a traditional South African meal following the physical Test, writing: “7 colours for lunch? You’ll be healed by tomorrow.”

It comes after Savea suffered a shoulder injury during the third Test of Rugby's Greatest Rivalry, which South Africa won 29-24 to take a 2-1 series lead.

The influential back-rower has subsequently been ruled out of the fourth and final Test in Baltimore, leaving the All Blacks without one of their most important players.

Savea has developed a particularly warm relationship with South African supporters during the tour.

The 32-year-old has embraced the country away from the rugby field, with his latest visit showing that the fierce rivalry between the All Blacks and Springboks doesn't extend beyond the final whistle.

And judging by the reaction to his latest post, the feeling is very much mutual.