Rugby World Cup 2015: All Black colossus meets his match ... off the pitch

Julian Savea married a month before the tournament began
Benedict Moore-Bridger23 October 2015

All Blacks star Julian Savea has left a trail of bruised and broken opponents behind him on the pitch as he steamrollers his way towards World Cup glory.

But, in his personal life, the one-man battering ram nicknamed “The Bus” has met his match — in the form of his 21-year-old wife, who he married only a month before the tournament began.

Fatima Antaqi-Savea, a commerce student originally from Baghdad, calls herself The Bus Driver and — despite being only a “part-time” rugby fan — says she “could not be more proud” as he sets his sights on crushing South African hopes in tomorrow’s World Cup semi-final.

At 6ft 4in and 17st 7lb, the 25-year-old winger has been compared to All Blacks great Jonah Lomu.

His hat-trick last weekend against France in the quarter-finals took him to 38 international tries in 39 games, fifth on the All Blacks’ list and one place ahead of Lomu on 37.

Julian Savea married Fatima Antaqi-Savea

His stunning exploits may, in part, be down to his marriage, which took place in Auckland in August. The couple live in the city with their pet Samoyed dog, Mia.

Savea has turned his life around after being charged with assaulting Dawn Rodgers, the mother of his two-year-old daughter, Cora, in 2013. He was removed from the family home and issued a tearful public apology for his actions as he faced a year behind bars.

The case threatened to derail the player’s career.

But under a New Zealand police “diversion scheme”, he avoided a conviction and criminal record by enrolling in an anti-violence programme designed to prevent reoffending.

Six months later, in October 2013, Savea met Ms Antaqi and the couple were engaged the following August. They married in an Islamic ceremony two months ago.

It took place only 24 hours after Savea played for the All Blacks in their victory over Australia in the Bledisloe Cup — but photographs of the occasion posted online show Savea appeared unscathed.

Several teammates attended the ceremony, including star Ma’a Nonu, and it was officiated by scholar Sheikh Jehad Ismail.

The 25-year-old winger has been compared to All Blacks great Jonah Lomu
AFP/Getty Images

Mrs Antaqi-Savea, who has plans to open a boutique clothing store, told friends: “Today I married my best friend in a traditional Islamic wedding ceremony. So grateful for all our friends and family who have made our day even more special.

“And Julian Savea, I couldn’t be more proud to be your wife.”

While her husband is busy preparing for tomorrow’s crucial game, his new bride has been “ticking off the bucket list” by visiting London and Paris landmarks including Buckingham Palace, the London Eye and the Eiffel Tower.

She also appears to share her husband’s love of selfies, with the couple regularly posting videos showing off their dancing skills as they take part in the viral craze Dubsmash, which involves lip-syncing to music.

In a recent interview with a blog site, she revealed the secret to their happy marriage.

She said: “My husband compliments me daily on every aspect of my body but he loves my booty.”

She added: “I love my whole body, I embrace it and I’m not ashamed of any flaws.”

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