All Blacks flank Ardie Savea has aimed to “fill my cup” ahead of his 100th Test match against the Springboks in Auckland on Saturday.

Eden Park is where Savea’s international journey began, and now it’s where he will become just the 15th All Black to reach 100 Tests.

The 31-year-old has been a consistent force in black, playing at openside flank and No 8, before being moved back to openside by coach Scott Robertson when Sam Cane’s Test career ended.

Asked if he ever thought he would reach the milestone, Savea replied: “No, not at all. The thing about this team, as some All Blacks greats always say, is we’re just caretakers, and you never know when your time is up in the jersey. Every time you get named and you hear your name each week, you get butterflies and you don’t want to let the jersey down.”

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Savea’s 99 Tests include a World Cup final and a British & Irish Lions series, but Saturday’s showdown with the Boks – who have won the last four meetings between the sides – will be one of his biggest.

“Just embrace the week,” Savea said. “Let it fill my cup instead of being a burden, and go out there and represent the jersey.”

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The loose forward has played 14 Tests at Eden Park, part of the All Blacks’ 50-match unbeaten run there since 1994.

“I had a bit of time on the bus today just to sit back and reflect on the journey,” he said. “I always try and remind myself that every time I put on the black jersey, it’s a blessing. It just happens to be the 100th time this weekend, and it’s another huge blessing for me.

“I’m grateful for this team, the coaches, the players, the past players and coaches, just everyone that’s been part of this legacy. That’s who I represent and the reason why I play.”

Photo: Phil Walter/Getty Images