The arrival of superstar backrower Ardie Savea has bolstered the belief at Moana Pasifika ,with his big brother Julian declaring their team can win the Super Rugby Pacific title this season.
Led by new captain Ardie, Moana face Western Force in round one in Perth tonight, looking to make an early statement.
Julian, 34, said Ardie, who wanted to give back to his Samoan heritage by joining the club after 12 seasons with the Hurricanes, had already made an impact.
The recruitment of the 31-year-old, who is a regular in the New Zealand Test side and was named the world’s best player in 2023, had lifted standards across the franchise.
Joining the competition in 2022, Auckland-based Moana Pasifika finished 11th last year, but former All Blacks winger Julian predicted a huge ladder surge this season.
Julian says Ardie’s had a massive impact already, just his presence, as he brings leadership, his experience, and professional habits – winning habits that he’s experienced throughout his career.
He adds the belief is high they are definitely winning this thing, because they have done the tough work to be able to play how they want to play the game, and how fit they need to be to be able to play that game plan.
The Moana Pasifika play the Force at 8.35 tonight, before that the Blues take on the Chiefs at 6.05pm.
Source: Stuff.co
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