Tana Umaga praises ‘warrior’ Ardie Savea and addresses controversial All Blacks policy after surprise switch
Moana Pasifika and All Blacks back-row Ardie Savea, and New Zealand legend Tana Umaga.
Tana Umaga has hailed Ardie Savea’s immediate impact at Moana Pasifika and has also revealed the conversations going on in the background with New Zealand Rugby (NZR).
The star back-rower was a surprise signing for the Pacific Island outfit after the 31-year-old decided to leave the Hurricanes.
Despite Moana representing Samoa and Tonga, Savea was able to join the franchise due to the fact that they are based in Auckland.
They are coached by Umaga and the All Blacks legend believes that the former World Rugby Player of the Year is already leading by example.
Bringing more professionalism
“Obviously, he’s had a massive influence in terms of our off-field preparation. His work rate, as well as work ethic off the field, has been something that we were looking for,” he told The Breakdown.
“We know what he’s going to bring on the field but, for a lot of our young guys, it’s just learning how to prepare and get consistency. It’s probably something that we saw last year – we needed someone to lead us in those aspects.
“We’ve got a few players but we’re trying to build more in terms of those professional behaviours and habits.
“As well as that, what he brings on the field, he’s a great team man, he doesn’t expect anyone to do anything he wouldn’t expect of himself.
“He leads with his actions. When he does speak, he knows not to waste his words. When he does speak, it makes an impression with our players and it’s lasting.”
Moana have opened the campaign with successive defeats, narrowly going down to the Western Force before succumbing to the Reds, but there are hopes of an improved season in 2025.
They finished bottom in both 2022 and 2023 before gaining four victories in 10 matches to condemn the Waratahs to the basement slot in 2024.
Adhering to NZR regulations
With Savea joining this year, they are setting the target of reaching the play-offs for the first time ever, but the franchise may be hampered by NZR’s regulations.
There are mandatory rest periods for All Blacks players and, despite not being associated with NZR, they are in discussions with the governing body about the back-rower adhering to those rules.
“We’ve already spoken with New Zealand Rugby around every All Black being entitled to two week’s rest periods, and we’re no different,” Umaga said.
“We’re fortunate that we have two byes that rest within there and then we’ll make good decisions when we talk to Ardie.
“He’s a warrior, he’ll play through a lot of things when most people wouldn’t. I think our players are starting to see that. He puts himself through so much but, because he can look after himself, he knows what he needs to get through in the week, and he still turns up every weekend.
“We’ve just got to manage him and again that will be done with a lot of discussions with himself.”
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