Moana Pasifika captain Ardie Savea. Photo: Brett Phibbs / www.photosport.nz
Analysis - Even though he'd likely never admit it, Ardie Savea is probably thinking 'I told you so' about a fair few commentors and fans out there. Last night he was named Super Rugby Pacific's Player of the Year, having established such a lead over everyone else that they gave it to Savea with two weeks remaining in the regular season.
Savea's move to Moana Pasifika was a seismic shock to a competition where the transfer market is normally about as lively as a funeral home. Not only did it get rumours flying about just exactly why he wanted out of the Hurricanes, his hometown team, but also what going to a struggling start-up team would do to his career.
While we'll probably never know for sure the answers to the first one, the second question has been answered in the most emphatic of fashions.
Moana Pasifika captain Ardie Savea celebrates his side's win over the Blues. Photo: Brett Phibbs / www.photosport.nz
The simple fact is that, somehow, the reigning World Rugby Player of the Year has gotten even better. Savea is now 31, into his 14th season of professional rugby, and will now carry that form into an intriguing year for the All Blacks as one of their most important players. It speaks volumes that the only real debate that exists around his selection is which jersey number he'll wear and who will be picked to make up the loose forward trio.
Savea has entered an era of McCaw-like brilliance, but even the two-time World Cup winning All Black captain wasn't scoring tries from chip and chases in Super Rugby games. Also, McCaw played on a Crusaders team that was already successful and stacked with talent, while Savea has managed to inspire a group of off-cuts in a struggling Moana set up to be a serious play-off threat.
From a wider perspective, Moana have also been able to make a bit of a purse out of a pig's ear after ending up at the previously unloved North Harbour Stadium. The Blues had all but abandoned the North Shore, leaving a crop of disenfranchised fans that Moana have now gratefully accepted.
Moana Pasifika v Blues, round 14 of the Super Rugby Pacific competition at North Harbour Stadium. Photo: Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz
The simmering feeling of discontent from the Blues about Moana's very existence bubbled over last weekend in the lead up to their game, with Savea addressing it post-match by quoting the Bible.
"'The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it'…there's a lot of back and forth around both the teams, so I said to (coach Tana Umaga), let's be the light and show the way without degrading anyone," he said in the wake of their monumental 27-21 win.
However, Moana's social media team weren't so keen to be as subtle at having a pop at their cross-town rivals, with one Instagram post showing a giant Moana jersey draped over the Sky Tower.
Savea has been big on controlling his own narrative, and while the on field exploits are the best way of doing that, his leadership role at Moana has seen him front more media than ever this season. To his credit, he's never shirked duties and the pay off has been Moana getting some much-needed attention.
That's translated into crowds, expectations and success. Just what happens next season regarding Savea's availability will be interesting - it's widely understood that he will take a lucrative deal in Japan again, but then again, he flipped the script by going to Moana in the first place - however the next fortnight could see his side play a pivotal role in how this year's competition plays out.
A win this Saturday in Hamilton will see them move safely into the play-off picture but could also cost the Chiefs the top spot currently held by the Brumbies. This would swing the momentum back to the Crusaders, who should take care of the now last-placed Highlanders.
Then there's a homecoming for Savea to Wellington in the last round, to face his old team the Hurricanes. The last time the sides met it was Moana's first win of the season; however the Canes are a very different side now and will be aiming for a top four spot.
