Ardie Savea's urging Moana Pasifika fans to stick with the team - after confirming he won't play Super Rugby next year.

The All Blacks vice-captain is taking up a second Japanese sabbatical in 2026 - returning to the Kobe Steelers team he played for last year.

Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further.

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Ardie Savea's urging Moana Pasifika fans to stick with the team - after confirming he won't play Super Rugby next year.
The All Blacks vice-captain is taking up a second Japanese sabbatical in 2026 - returning to the Kobe Steelers team he played for last year.
Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further.
LISTEN ABOVE

With a straight down the middle approach, Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive on Newstalk ZB delivers the very latest news and views to New Zealanders as they wrap up their day.

Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

D'Arcy Waldegrave: Sportstalk host on Ardie Savea taking a second Japanese sabbatical

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/cbdfeab6-e513-4a4e-8f1a-b2ff006afad4/transcript

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Friday, 4 September, 2026, two psychiatrists get permission to use a party drug to treat trauma. We speak to one of them - Dr G.

The Privacy Commissioner on retailers putting up walls of shame of suspected shoplifters.

Sav's saucy selfie - plus more from the veteran rugby man's travels in South Africa.

And on the Sports Huddle, Adam Cooper and Nick Bewley tell us if they reckon All Blacks' pack really did need a big reshuffle for the third test.

Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.

LISTEN ABOVE 

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Friday, 4 September, 2026, two psychiatrists get permission to use a party drug to treat trauma. We speak to one of them - Dr G.
The Privacy Commissioner on retailers putting up walls of shame of suspected shoplifters.
Sav's saucy selfie - plus more from the veteran rugby man's travels in South Africa.
And on the Sports Huddle, Adam Cooper and Nick Bewley tell us if they reckon All Blacks' pack really did need a big reshuffle for the third test.
Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.
LISTEN ABOVE&nbsp;

Full Show Podcast: 04 September 2026 

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/4b0ac80d-52c6-4817-bbb1-b4bb0076be6a/transcript

The All Blacks return to Gauteng province for their third test against the Springboks at FNB Stadium in Soweto on Sunday at 3.10am. 

South Africa evened the score Cape Town last week adding extra pressure to this week's test. 

All Blacks senior assistant coach Neil Barnes told Heather du Plessis-Allan, "it's a hell of an occasion and the boys are in a good place, to be honest."

LISTEN ABOVE 

The All Blacks return to Gauteng province for their third test against the Springboks at FNB Stadium in Soweto on Sunday at 3.10am.&nbsp;
South Africa evened the score Cape Town last week adding extra pressure to this week's test.&nbsp;
All Blacks senior assistant coach Neil Barnes told Heather du Plessis-Allan, "it's a hell of an occasion and the boys are in a good place, to be honest."
LISTEN ABOVE&nbsp;

Neil Barnes: All Blacks senior assistant coach chats team before third Springboks test

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/8d7e0e0a-cc16-4d1e-a329-b4bb0075a4c6/transcript

The Warriors are facing off against the Sea Eagles at 5pm on Saturday for NRL Round 27 at Go Media Stadium Mt Smart, Auckland.

The original captain of the Warriors joined Heather du Plessis-Allan to discuss the match. 

"We've got to sort of look forward to these playoffs with a lot of hope, you know it's not going to surprise us if they're at the grand final day and they lift the trophy, but as I say it's a different level."

LISTEN ABOVE 

The Warriors are facing off against the Sea Eagles at 5pm on Saturday for NRL Round 27 at Go Media Stadium Mt Smart, Auckland.
The original captain of the Warriors joined Heather du Plessis-Allan to discuss the match.&nbsp;
"We've got to sort of look forward to these playoffs with a lot of hope, you know it's not going to surprise us if they're at the grand final day and they lift the trophy, but as I say it's a different level."
LISTEN ABOVE&nbsp;

Dean Bell: Original Warriors captain chats ahead of final regular season match

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/2d56059b-4b87-4fbd-9f96-b4bb006f4730/transcript

D'Arcy Waldegrave: Sportstalk host on Ardie Savea taking a second Japanese sabbatical

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