All Blacks’ Ardie Savea: Brother Julian is an enemy when playing for Babas
All Blacks flanker Ardie Savea has admitted family loyalties will be left on the sidelines when brother Julian lines-up against him for the Barbarians at Twickenham on Saturday.
The world's No1 team are playing the invitational Barbarians in a match to mark the 125th anniversary of the New Zealand Rugby Union.
Despite being the joint-second highest try scorer in the country's history with 46 from 54 Tests, Julian Savea will be in the unfamiliar position of facing the Haka after failing to make it into the All Blacks' European tour squad and losing his starting spot for his Super Rugby franchise the Hurricanes.
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Younger brother Ardie says he will receive no special treatment when he comes up against his former teammates.
"I've only caught up with him once this week," he told City A.M.
"It's going to be weird going against Jules, but that's just the way the footy game is. When we go on the field tomorrow we'll be enemies."
Brothers in arms: Julian (l) and Ardie (r) will be on opposite sides on Saturday (Source: Getty)
Julian will be just one of 10 Kiwis in a strong Barbarians team to face the All Blacks, with former international Ben Franks also waiting on the bench.
"We've played each other heaps in Super Rugby, but it will be a bit different in an All Blacks jersey with them in a Barbarians jersey," said Savea.
"We're just excited to go out there and play some footy. To have an opportunity to put on the black jersey, it's always awesome.
"Twickenham is one of my favourite stadiums to play in, it will be pretty special. I think over 60,000 will be there so it's going to be a great spectacle and a great occasion for the fans."
