Savea (27) announced this week he was to play for French club Toulon at the conclusion of Super Rugby, and would not add to his 54 test caps.
Savea has lost out in a logjam of wingers on the national scene, but provincial and Super Rugby team-mate TJ Perenara paid tribute to him yesterday.
''He would arguably be one of the best wingers to play the game. He has done his family, province and country proud in all the performances he has played,'' he said.
''On a personal level, he is someone I am very close to. I have built a really good bond with him over the years so I'm sad to see him go. It is a tough thing to do to leave New Zealand rugby. It is a dream that you grow up with.
''It would have been a tough decision for him and not easy and I'm proud of him for his decision. I know he will go over there and be one of the best wingers in the world.''
Savea was a great sight in full flight, scoring 46 tries for the All Blacks.
There were plenty of hours on the training paddock to help Savea reach the tryline, Perenara said.
''Off the field he worked hard to make sure he was in the right position offensively. Everyone in the room probably knows his point of difference. He could run around people and also run through people. Not everyone is blessed with that. He could do that at all levels for a long time.''
Perenara, who has played in 44 tests after making his debut in 2014, is now leading the haka for the All Blacks. It is something he holds dear as it is something of a family tradition.
''The haka means a lot to me. You grow up wanting to be an All Black, wanting to sing the anthem and do the haka.
''Leading the haka was something I wanted to do as well. It is something I am really proud of. My father [Thomas] actually led the haka for the New Zealand softball team, so knowing he has done that as well is something I hold deeply.
''It is important it is done right and done well.''