OPINION: All Blacks take note - lucrative Japanese-based sabbaticals might just be doing more harm than good.
Ardie Savea has become just the latest player to announce he'll trade the Land of the Long White Cloud for that of the Rising Sun, taking up a sabbatical in 2024, after next year's World Cup.
As the All Blacks' best player for the last two seasons, Savea deserves the chance to head overseas and set his family up for the future - that's not in question.
The worry is whether Savea will be a better player for the experience. Recent history suggests not.
Of the key All Blacks to have taken Japanese sabbaticals recently, none of them command starting positions any longer.
From TJ Perenara in 2021 to Patrick Tuipulotu and Damian McKenzie this year - not a single one gets into the All Blacks' current side on form alone.
Perenara returned to the All Blacks last year, but has since lost out to Finlay Christie and Folau Fakatava to back-up Aaron Smith at halfback.
Perhaps the fourth choice lock at his best, Tuipulotu didn't make up any ground on Sam Whitelock, Scott Barrett and Brodie Retallick - who himself had to play his way back into the side, after missing the 2020 All Blacks season - while Tupou Vaa'i appears to be being groomed as one for the future.
McKenzie is now in a battle with Stephen Perofeta for the backline utility role, with coach Ian Foster making it clear the latter is at the front of the queue.
All three of those players were eligible for the All Blacks' northern tour, but instead have been placed in the All Blacks XV - we still don't know whether this supposed to be a 'New Zealand A' or pathway to develop the next wave of players coming through.
Regardless of what happens on the two northern tours, don't expect any of those three to challenge for starting spots once Super Rugby Pacific 2023 concludes.
Beauden Barrett could be considered an exception to the rule, but has definitely fallen behind Richie Mo'unga in the No.10 pecking order, even if a tactical change could give him a new opportunity at fullback.
Aside from players losing their places, the 'why?' is just as important.
While the standard of Japan's League One has improved out of sight - boosting the Brave Blossoms' international standing as a result - it is still a lower standard than Super Rugby.
Kazuki Himeno didn't look out of place for a second during his Super Rugby campaign for the Highlanders, but Japan simply doesn't have the same level of talent to produce a league that can match Super Rugby's intensity every week.
Whenever an All Black takes a sabbatical, the biggest onfield ramification would be allowing someone else to shine in his absence.
Even if All Blacks coaches and selectors pay attention to what happens over in Japan, what happens in Super Rugby - against better opposition - is front and centre, when it comes to picking those sides.
What made more headlines at home last year - Beauden Barrett leading Suntory Sungoliath to the Japanese final or Richie Mo'unga doing the same for the Crusaders on their way to a fifth straight title?
More importantly, which one would All Blacks coach Ian Foster have had his eyes on?
It's hard to know exactly what Savea's Japanese stint with the Kobe Steelers will look like come 2024. Will he still be the best player in New Zealand as he leaves?
Probably.
Will he also give the chance for a young loose forward to come through and take his place in his absence while he's away? Absolutely.
There's nothing wrong with the All Blacks chasing an overseas payday. They're professionals, who are obliged to earn as much money as possible in their short careers.
But if the opportunity cost of their Japanese ambition is losing their spot in the All Blacks, that has to be a risk they're willing to take when they step on that plane.
Alex Powell is a Newshub Sport digital producer
