Ardie Savea

Savea makes his first start at blindside flanker, with captain Kieran Read at number eight and Sam Cane at openside.

Coach Steve Hansen seems to have had a change of heart about playing loose forward Savea at number six.

Hansen has said previously he doesn't believe Savea has the bulk to play at blindside but has opted to play him there rather than moving skipper Kieran Read to the side of the scrum and bringing Savea in at number eight.

The Hurricanes and Wellington star posted the news to social media this morning and his decision comes after French media reports he was set to join the Pau club after next year's World Cup.

"Truely (sic) blessed to have re-signed with NZ for 2020-2021," Savea posted on Instagram.

"To be honest was a very tough decision but being at home with family and close friends and the opportunity to play for @allblacks @hurricanesrugby @wgtn_rugby I couldn't leave.

"Thank you to the fans for the on going support. Can't wait to get stuck in to 2019 with my canes brothers".

Hearts were in mouths as the Hurricanes loose forward lay prone on Suncorp Stadium, having taken the ball into contact during Saturday's 34-15 win over the Reds. He was eventually helped from the field and diagnosed with a calf injury.

That's better than a knee or ankle, assuming the strain is as minor as the Hurricanes have suggested.

"He's pulled up pretty well considering what he looked like when he was on the ground there. He's got a niggly calf and he'd be pretty doubtful for this week," Hurricanes backs coach Jason Holland said on Monday afternoon.

The loose forward was helped from the field late in the team's 34-15 win over the Reds in Brisbane, having taken the ball into contact and not got up.

Savea had produced a typically robust and explosive performance, from No.8, in what was a rather atypical match.

Referee Angus Gardner awarded three tries to the Hurricanes - Beauden Barrett in the 24th minute, then Mark Abbott (53rd) and finally TJ Perenara (56th) - only to think better of it after the host broadcaster went through its repertoire of replays.

After five impressive bench appearances, dynamic flanker Ardie Savea is in the run-on side to face South Africa in Christchurch on Saturday, replacing the injured Sam Cane.

It is the only starting change from the side who roared away late to a 57-22 win over Argentina in Hamilton last week, extending the unbeaten All Blacks' lead in the Rugby Championship.

Openside flanker Cane suffered a hamstring injury which will sideline him for at least a month, opening the door for 22-year-old Savea to show his prowess from the opening whistle.