All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has praised openside flanker Ardie Savea, for his progress in 2018 and taking his opportunity with both hands at filling in the void left by injured Sam Cane.
Savea, 25, has cemented his spot in the No.7 jersey for New Zealand, after Cane was ruled out for the remainder of the 2018 season after injuring his neck against the Springboks in Pretoria last month.
Hansen says Savea has vastly improved his defensive game since he has arrived at the All Blacks.
"He's got the physicality in his game now, like he's always been a genuine athlete with the ball," said Hansen.
"But he's now stealing ball, he's making good tackles and he's been forced having to do that - with Sammy (Sam Cane) not being there.
"He's stepped up to the plate and he's got confidence out of being - knowing he's going to be selected every week."
Hansen says 2018 has been an outstanding year for the Wellington flanker.
"It's a good example of how much confidence plays a role in who are and what you are.
"He's got a sense of belonging in the team, he knows he's playing well and he's going out doing it every week.
"No fuss, no bother, so it's been a great year for him."
Savea has been named to start at No.7 for the All Blacks in Rome this Sunday (NZ time) against Italy in the All Blacks' final match of 2018.
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