One of the Wellington's favourite sons is grateful he hasn't been frozen out by the locals as he prepares to lead the All Blacks in the capital for the first time

It's been a fortnight since Ardie Savea announced he was ditching the Hurricanes to move to Moana Pasifika.

Standing in as All Blacks captain this week, Savea says he's enjoyed a friendly reception in Wellington since.



Savea will lead a side selected on form - with centre Rieko Ioane dropped to the bench in favour of Anton Lienert-Brown.

Coach Scott Robertson says that's the environment he wants.



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