Ardie Savea and Moana Pasifika celebrate. Photo: Michael Thomas/ActionPress
Having taken a week off, Moana Pasifika will be refreshed and ready to the current leaders, the Chiefs, in South Auckland, in round six of the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific competition, on Friday evening.
But they will be without their biggest star and inspirational captain Ardie Savea, who is nursing a hamstring injury, suffered during their upset win over the Hurricanes in North Harbour two weekends ago.
Savea played out the first-half in that match but did not return to the field in the second half, but watched with pride from the sideline as his mates took the Hurricanes apart to claim their first major scalp for the season.
Head coach Fa'alogo Tana Umaga told reporters at the North Harbour Stadium home on Wednesday that it was disappointing to lose Savea.
However, it has has given other players the chance to step up.
One particular player who has stepped up is interim captain Tom Savage, who will wear the skipper's armband when Moana Pasifika hosts the Chiefs at Navigation Homes Stadium.
Along with Savea, regular captains James Lay and Sione Havili Talitui, are also still out with injuries.
That has presented Umaga the opportunity to name their Northern Hemisphere signing as their team leader against the top team.
"Disappointing, but the opportunity for others to step up," Umaga said. "Everyone is going through that."
A hamstring twist is what is forcing Savea off the field, so he is expected to be out for a few weeks.
On Savage, Umaga said the tough man is a hard worker on the field.
"He is experienced, that's the big one," he said.
"He is calm under pressure and he did a great job when Ardie when off (against the Hurricanes) and he is respected by players.
"I don't think we will see too much difference to what he brings on the field but that calm head is something that got the ticks for us."
Moana Pasifika lock Tom Savage with fans after the Super Rugby Pacific - Moana Pasifika v Highlanders at North Harbour Stadium. Photo: Photosport
Umaga said Savage is a workhorse who just shows his leadership by his actions, adding it is an interesting mix having an Englishman leading a pre-dominantly Pasifika side.
"It is not something we would have done without seeing how he interacts with our players," Umaga said.
"He made a courageous decision to get here, get out of his comfort zone, and he tries to learn everything around our environment, and he is always open to learning our culture."
Savage said he is proud to be leading Moana Pasifika this week and will just get on the field and do his part.
"Really exciting opportunity for me and really excited about leading the boys out this week and am looking forward to the game," he said.
"Since joining, I have worked the best I could. Hopefully, I lead with my actions before my words - just leading with my action first is the most important thing to do."
He said coming to Moana Pasifika was a chance for him to challenge himself and he has loved the experience.
Umaga has named Tuna Tuitama on the bench, with an opportunity to debut.
He was part of Moana Pasifika's wider training squad in 2024 and played for Manu Samoa sevens also.
"I am so excited and humbled to have this opportunity," Tuitama said. "I cannot wait to get out there and play with the boys."
Moana Pasifika Ardie Savea during the Super Rugby Pacific match, Moana Pasifika v Hurricanes, North Harbour Stadium, Auckland. Photo: Michael Thomas/ActionPress
Other changes Umaga has made include Abraham Pole earning a start at prop, Miracle Faiilagi moves to 7, while Ola Tauelangi getting a start at blindside flanker.
In the backline, Losi Filipo earns his first start on the wing, Lalomilo Lalomilo moves to inside centre, while Pepesana Patafilo rejoins him in the starting lineup at 13.
Moana Pasifika said that a group of 250 students and staff from Pukekohe's Wesley College will attend Friday's game.
Umaga said it will be special to return to the area, given his ties to Counties Manukau as a former player and coach there.
"A few of our players and staff are Wesley old boys, so it means a lot to them," Umaga said.
"My connections out south, being with Counties for a long time, I know how much that school means to that area.
"Taking a game back out to our communities in South Auckland are a big part of who we are. We also want to build on our last performance and our previous performances before that.
"We know what worked for us, what hasn't and we've just got to keep putting these consistent performances together."
A strong group that includes Sama Malolo, Tito Tuipulotu, Michael Curry, Semisi Paea, and Melani Matavao will bring energy off the bench.
Moana Pasifika v Chiefs
Kick-off: 7:05pm Friday 21 March
Navigation Homes Stadium, Pukekohe
Live blog updates on RNZ Sport
Moana Pasifika: 1. Abraham Pole, 2. Millennium Sanerivi, 3. Sione Mafile'o, 4. Tom Savage (c), 5. Allan Craig, 6. Ola Tauelangi, 7. Miracle Faillagi, 8. Semisi Tupou Ta'eiloa, 9. Jonathan Taumateine, 10. Patrick Pellegrini, 11. Kyren Taumoefolau, 12. Lalomilo Lalomilo, 13. Pepesana Patafilo, 14. Losi Filipo, 15. William Havili; Reserves - 16. Sama Malolo, 17. Tito Tuipulotu, 18. Chris Apoua, 19. Michael Curry, 20. Semisi Paea, 21. Melani Matavao, 22. Tevita Ofa, 23. Tuna Tuitama.
Chiefs: 1. Jared Profitt, 2. Bradley Slater, 3. Reuben O'Neill, 4. Naitoa Ah Kuoi, 5. Tupou Vaa'i, 6. Samipeni Finau, 7. Kaylum Boshier, 8. Luke Jacobson (c), 9. Xavier Roe, 10. Damian McKenzie, 11. Leroy Carter, 12. Gideon Wrampling, 13. Daniel Rona, 14. Emoni Narawa, 15. Shaun Stevenson; Reserves: 16. Samisoni Taukei'aho, 17. Aidan Ross, 18. Sione Ahio, 19. James Thompson, 20. Jahrome Brown, 21. Cortez Ratima, 22. Josh Jacomb, 23. Quinn Tupaea
