Latest news with #JulianSavea
RNZ News
09-08-2025
- Sport
- RNZ News
NPC Rugby: Wellington back on track with win over Waikato
Akira Ieremia. Photo: Blake Armstrong/ActionPress Wellington's lungs will be bursting after their 35-24 bonus point win over Waikato in Hamilton on Saturday. The defending champions were coming off a disappointing first round loss to Canterbury, and seemingly decided to run it from everywhere in order to make up for it. Viewers could've been forgiven for thinking they'd stepped into a time machine after watching a first half that featured not only a powerful try by Julian Savea, but also Aaron Cruden finishing off a sweeping move. Both former All Blacks are showing no signs of slowing down, with Savea set to play yet another season of Super Rugby Pacific next year. Cruden's effort was sparked by a stunning break from Oli Mathis, with the wing/flanker hybrid showing off his outstanding pace a couple of times in the first half. However, it wasn't enough to stop Wellington racing to a 21-5 lead at the break, thanks to Savea's effort and tries to PJ Sheck and Jackson Garden-Bachop. Waikato staged a decent comeback at the start of the second, with tries to Xavier Saifoloi and Xavier Roe in his 50th NPC match. However, that was as good as it got for the home side, as Tjay Clarke and Akira Ieremia quickly restored the advantage with excellent finishes. The game suddenly turned into a track meet as it passed the hour mark, with several passages going back and forth between both 22s and the ball changing hands endlessly. Waikato replacement hooker Pita Anae-Ah Sue finally managed to take advantage of the questionable attitudes on defence when he busted through to score in the 71st minute. That was enough for Wellington to shut the game down, with Peter Lakai playing the full 80 minutes before he heads off to join the All Blacks in Argentina. Mathis showed that he'll likely be heading the same way sometime in the future, while Garden-Bachop's flawless goal kicking a key factor in the result. Wellington head home to face Otago next weekend, while Waikato host winless Counties-Manukau. In the afternoon's other game, Taranaki accounted for North Harbour 46-24 in Albany. Read how the game unfolded:
RNZ News
28-05-2025
- General
- RNZ News
Hurricanes expect warm welcome for Ardie Savea on his Wellington return
Moana Pasifika players Ardie and Julian Savea are returning to Wellington to take on the Hurricanes. Photo: Blake Armstrong/ActionPress Hurricanes v Moana Pasifika Kickoff: 7.05pm Saturday, 31 May Sky Stadium, Wellington Live blog updates on RNZ Sport The Hurricanes could be forgiven for still being upset by Ardie Savea's move to Moana Pasifika, but his former team insist the All Blacks star will be given a warm welcome in Wellington. Savea left the Hurricanes at the end of the last Super Rugby season, with Moana Pasifika signing the 2023 World Rugby Player of the Year to 2027. Photo: Michael Thomas/ActionPress Savea, a born and bred Wellingtonian who attended Rongotai College, played multiple seasons for the Hurricanes after debuting in 2013, racking up 131 games for the franchise. However, he decided to join brother and former Hurricanes and All Blacks wing Julian at Moana Pasifika and the younger Savea has been in outstanding form this year for the Auckland based side, helping them to within a win of their first finals appearance. They'll have to beat the Hurricanes in Wellington on Saturday night to achieve that feat and the hosts are planning on spoiling their party as they seek to cement themselves in the top four ahead of next week's playoffs. Instead of animosity being directed towards Savea, the Hurricanes are expecting their former star to be given a special reception in his first game in Wellington since leaving the team. "You've got a guy who's won the Super Rugby player of season award with two rounds to go. His performances week in, week out have been exceptional," Hurricanes assistant coach Bryn Evans said. "He's born and bred from Wellington and I'm sure he's going to have a lot of friends and family and plenty of other people there supporting him. He deserves that respect and he deserves that kind of welcome." Ardie Savea with Moana Pasifika teammates. Photo: Michael Thomas/ActionPress Losing a player of Savea's calibre was a massive blow for the Hurricanes but it hasn't stopped them reaching the finals and their loose forward stocks are strong, with the likes of Du'Plessis Kirifi, Peter Lakai and Brayden Iose (now injured) in fine form and in serious contention to make the All Blacks. Evans said Savea's defection definitely left a void, but he believed the Hurricanes have done well to fill that hole. "Ardie's a man in himself and he's left a a legacy here at the Hurricanes," Evans said. "I'm sure all those guys that have stepped into that place where he's been want to live up to Ardie. He's a big part of the game, not only in the Hurricanes, not only in Moana, but in New Zealand and we need to show him the respect he's earned and deserves." The Hurricanes and All Blacks midfielder Billy Proctor played alongside Savea at the Wellington-based franchise and he concedes he never thought his former team-mate would leave the side. "You wouldn't have thought it a few years ago but it's awesome for him to come back to play in Wellington, his hometown," Proctor said. "I'm sure the fans will be excited to see him here too." Proctor is well aware of Savea's abilities and knows the Hurricanes will have to be at their best to beat Moana Pasifika, despite the visitors coming off a heavy loss to the Chiefs . He said Moana will be as motivated as ever with a maiden Super Rugby playoff appearance on the line. "If you give them momentum and let their big boys get a bit of a roll on, they're going to be hard to stop," Proctor said. "We understand that they're going to be pretty desperate. They also might have a bit of edge about them after last week and we know they're going be physical and come down here willing to play and throw everything at us."
RNZ News
28-05-2025
- General
- RNZ News
Super Rugby Pacific: Both Savea brothers to start against old team
Ardie and Julian Savea. Photo: Blake Armstrong/ActionPress Ardie and Julian Savea will both start for Moana Pasifika against their old team the Hurricanes this weekend. Moana are looking to bounce back from the absolute hiding they copped from the Chiefs last weekend, with Julian Savea replacing the injured Danny Toala. Last year's standout Lotu Inise is back from a long injury break to take his place on the bench. Meanwhile, Canes have changed their first five, with Brett Cameron getting the 10 jersey and Ruben Love moving back to fullback. Tjay Clarke comes onto the bench for his first appearance of the season. Other selection news: Minimal changes for the Highlanders with Cam Millar back at first five and Tai Cribb starting at lock for their match against the Chiefs. Etene Nanai-Seturo returns to play after sustaining a hamstring injury during the Chiefs' opening match. He joins a very in form back three, with Leroy Carter moving over to the right wing to accommodate him. Josh Lord is back from injury too at lock, with Samipeni Finau and Simon Parker swapping places in the starting lineup. The Crusaders welcome Ethan Blackadder back after another injury layoff, he starts at blindside alongside the in form Tom Christie and Christian Lio-Willie in the loose forwards. Antonio Shalfoon comes back in at lock, while David Havili gets a rest. Dallas McLeod and Levi Aumua start in the midfield. Finlay Christie is back for the Blues at halfback in their must win match against the Waratahs at Eden Park, other than that it's a similar looking side to the one that last played a fortnight ago. Shaun Stevenson of the Chiefs during the Super Rugby Pacific round 5 match between the Chiefs and Highlanders at FMG Stadium in Hamilton. Photo: Aaron Gillions / Highlanders v Chiefs Kick-off: 7:05pm Friday 30 May Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin Live blog updates on RNZ Sport Highlanders: 1. Ethan de Groot, 2. Jack Taylor, 3. Saula Ma'u, 4. Fabian Holland, 5. Tai Cribb, 6. TK Howden, 7. Veveni Lasaqa, 8. Sean Withy, 9. Folau Fakatava, 10. Cam Millar, 11. Taniela Filimone, 12. Timoci Tavatavanawai, 13. Tanielu Tele'a, 14. Jonah Lowe, 15. Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens Bench: 16. Soane Vikena, 17. Daniel Lienert-Brown, 18. Sosefo Kautai, 19. Will Stodart, 20. Michael Loft, 21. Adam Lennox, 22. Sam Gilbert, 23. Thomas Umaga-Jensen Chiefs: 1. Jared Proffit, 2. Bradley Slater, 3. Reuben O'Neill, 4. Josh Lord, 5. Tupou Vaa'i, 6. Samipeni Finau, 7. Luke Jacobson (c), 8. Wallace Sititi, 9. Xavier Roe, 10. Damian McKenzie, 11. Etene Nanai-Seturo, 12. Quinn Tupaea, 13. Daniel Rona, 14. Leroy Carter, 15. Shaun Stevenson Bench: 16. Samisoni Taukei'aho, 17. Ollie Norris, 18. George Dyer, 19. Naitoa Ah Kuoi, 20. Simon Parker, 21. Cortez Ratima, 22. Josh Jacomb, 23. Manasa Mataele Sevu Reece palms off Andy Muirhead during the Super Rugby Pacific match between ACT Brumbies v Crusaders, GIO Stadium Canberra. Photo: Ben Appleton/ActionPress Brumbies v Crusaders Kick-off: 9:35pm Friday 30 May GIO Stadium, Canberra Live blog updates on RNZ Sport Crusaders: 1. George Bower, 2. Codie Taylor (c), 3. Tamaiti Williams, 4. Scott Barrett, 5. Antonio Shalfoon, 6. Ethan Blackadder, 7. Tom Christie, 8. Christian Lio-Willie, 9. Noah Hotham, 10. Rivez Reihana, 11. Sevu Reece, 12. Dallas McLeod, 13. Levi Aumua, 14. Chay Fihaki, 15. Johnny McNicholl Bench: 16. George Bell, 17. Lewis Ponini, 18. Seb Calder, 19. Tahlor Cahill, 20. Corey Kellow, 21. Kyle Preston, 22. James O'Connor, 23. Braydon Ennor Finlay Christie dives to score a try for the Blues in his side's win over Moana Pasifika at Eden Park. Photo: Photosport Blues v Waratahs Kick-off: 4:35pm Saturday 31 May Eden Park, Auckland Live blog updates on RNZ Sport Blues: 1. Joshua Fusitu'a, 2. Ricky Riccitelli, 3. Marcel Renata, 4. Patrick Tuipulotu (c), 5. Laghlan McWhannell, 6. Anton Segner, 7. Dalton Papali'i, 8. Hoskins Sotutu, 9. Finlay Christie, 10. Beauden Barrett, 11. Caleb Clarke, 12. AJ Lam, 13. Rieko Ioane, 14. Mark Tele'a, 15. Corey Evans Bench: 16. Kurt Eklund, 17. Jordan Lay, 18. Angus Ta'avao, 19. Josh Beehre, 20. Adrian Choat, 21. Sam Nock, 22. Harry Plummer, 23. Cole Forbes Moana Pasifika Miracle Faillagi scores his third try during the Super Rugby Pacific match, Moana Pasifika v Hurricanes, North Harbour Stadium, Auckland. Photo: Michael Thomas/ActionPress Hurricanes v Moana Pasifika Kick-off: 7:05pm Saturday 31 May Sky Stadium, Wellington Live blog updates on RNZ Sport Hurricanes: 1. Xavier Numia, 2. Jacob Devery, 3. Tyrel Lomax, 4. Zach Gallagher, 5. Hugo Plummer, 6. Devan Flanders, 7. Du'Plessis Kirifi (cc), 8. Peter Lakai, 9. Cam Roigard, 10. Brett Cameron, 11. Fatafehi Fineanganofo, 12. Peter Umaga-Jensen, 13. Billy Proctor (cc), 14. Bailyn Sullivan, 15. Ruben Love Bench: 16. Raymond Tuputupu, 17. Pouri Rakete-Stones, 18. Pasilio Tosi, 19. Will Tucker, 20. Brad Shields (cc), 21. Ereatara Enari, 22. Jone Rova, 23. Tjay Clarke Moana Pasifika: 1. Tito Tuipulotu, 2. Millennium Sanerivi, 3. Feleti Sae-Ta'ufo'ou, 4. Tom Savage, 5. Samuel Slade, 6. Miracle Faiilagi, 7. Ardie Savea, 8. Semisi Tupou Ta'eiloa, 9. Jonathan Taumateine, 10. Patrick Pellegrini, 11. Solomon Alaimalo, 12. Julian Savea, 13. Lalomilo Lalomilo, 14. Kyren Taumoefolau, 15. Tevita Ofa Bench: 16. Samiuela Moli, 17. Abraham Pole, 18. Chris Apoua, 19. Allan Craig, 20. Lotu Inisi, 21. Melani Matavao, 22. Jackson Garden-Bachop, 23. Pepesana Patafilo Also: Reds v Drua Kick-off: 9:35pm Saturday 31 May Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane Force - bye
