Ardie Savea factor in full effect at Moana Pasifika

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 on Saturday night, 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.

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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.

“He’s had a massive impact already, just his presence, he brings leadership, his experience, and professional habits – winning habits that he’s experienced throughout his career,” said Julian.

“The belief is high … we’re definitely winning this thing, because we’ve done the tough, tough work to be able to play how we want to play the game, and how fit we need to be to be able to play that game plan.”

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Coached by legendary former All Blacks centre Tana Umaga, Moana Pasifika have had a big influx of talent with former Wallabies prop Pone Fa’amausili among the recruits.

But the Melbourne Rebels signing isn’t available for selection to face the Force due to injury.

Julian, who was part of New Zealand’s 2015 Rugby World Cup triumph and the tournament’s highest tryscorer, also wasn’t named despite featuring in their two trials.

Competition is fierce in the backline with newcomers Samoa Olympic Sevens star Lalomilo Lalomilo named in the centres and former NRL Wests Tigers flyer Solomon Alaimalo starting on the wing.

Other signings include hooker Millennium Sanerivi, who played his first Super Rugby match for the Chiefs in last year’s final before switching to Moana Pasifika.

Ardie will start at No.8 and will have Tonga openside Sione Havili Talitui and Samoa’s Miracle Faiilagi alongside him in a strong loose forward trio.