Julian Savea has left the Hurricanes for Moana Pasifika. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Former All Black winger Julian Savea is getting familiar in his new home at Moana Pasifika.
"I was pretty anxious at the start, but the boys have been welcoming."
"The pleasing thing is that Tana [Umaga] has set the tone around our expectations and our standards."
And Savea said his personal goal is to, "prove that I've still got it. I'm not finished yet."
"I still want to be the best player in the comp."
Savea departed the Hurricanes last year after playing 153 games for the franchise - their most capped player.
Collectively as a team he'd like Moana to win games and place in the top eight.
"It's within our grasp. Last year the boys didn't manage to get a (win), but we are looking forward to that challenge."
The 33-year-old winger is also keen to take on a mentoring role, "bringing up the young boys in here."
The ex-Hurricanes player has told the young athletes, "once you're here there is a reason why you're here and the hardest part is staying here."
"I want to be approachable and make sure they can come to me about anything. Whether it's rugby related or off the field."
Now eligible to play for Manu Samoa, Savea said there was chats with head coach, Seilala Mapusua prior the World Rugby Cup.
"I was very close, but I got injured. I didn't want to go over injured and potentially take someone's spot."
The winger says he's sure there will be more discussions around Manu Samoa, but nothing has been confirmed so far.
The Luatuanuu, Siumu and Falesiu Uta athlete says being able to embrace his Samoan culture has been, "different but it's nice."
"It's been eye opening, especially when they cater to your needs, you become a lot happier."
Savea said that he's not a superstitious player when it comes to preparations before a game.
However, he does like listening to slow jams like Mariah Carey, 'Always be my baby'.
"It gets me up sometimes."
Moana Pasifika open their season against Highlanders on 24 February.
