Ardie Savea Leads Moana Pasifika to Historic Super Rugby Milestone

Ardie Savea's Moana Pasifika side is making waves in Super Rugby, and their captain is driven to create history. Read more about their journey.

Moana Pasifika captain Ardie Savea expressed his unwavering dedication to the team, saying he'd “run through brick walls” for them after leading them to a historic victory. This statement comes on the heels of their stunning 27-21 win over the Auckland Blues, putting them on the verge of making their first-ever Super Rugby playoffs.

Savea was instrumental in the win, showcasing his impressive form as Moana Pasifika secured their third consecutive win against a New Zealand side in Super Rugby Pacific for the first time in their history. Kyren Taumoefolau stole the show with a hat-trick, while Savea's leadership and skill played a significant role in outmaneuvering the Blues.

The victory marked Moana Pasifika's first-ever win over the Blues, and Savea's performance earned him widespread praise. With this win, Moana Pasifika has positioned themselves for a potential playoff spot, a historic milestone for the team.

Moana Pasifika's stunning 27-21 win over the defending champion Blues propelled them to sixth place in the 11-team table with two rounds left to play. This position puts them in a strong position to secure a playoff spot, as the top six teams advance.

The team's surge has been one of the season's most notable storylines, although the ACT Brumbies, Waikato Chiefs, and Canterbury Crusaders are likely to finish as the top three qualifiers for the playoffs in early June.

The top three teams will host the fourth to sixth-ranked teams in the playoffs, with the winners and top-seeded loser advancing to the semifinals. Currently, the Queensland Reds, Wellington Hurricanes, and Moana Pasifika occupy the fourth to sixth spots.

A crucial match-up is brewing between the Reds and Hurricanes in Brisbane next week, which will likely determine who secures the fourth spot. Meanwhile, Moana Pasifika's fate hangs in the balance as they vie for the final playoff berth, led by captain Ardie Savea's determination to make history.

Moana Pasifika's journey to create history is gaining momentum, with Savea driving the team's push for a playoff spot.

Ardie Savea's signing was a surprise move for Moana Pasifika, a team established to provide a pathway for Pasifika players. The team had struggled, winning just seven of 35 games in their first three seasons, and Savea knew change was needed to inspire young players of Samoan, Tongan, and Cook Island heritage.

Savea expressed his dedication to the team, saying, “I don't know if you guys have been in that position when you wholeheartedly believe in something, so you give it your all. That's me right now, being with this team. And when it's more than a game to me, I run through brick walls with them.”

“The brothers that you could say have come from nothing, they're certainly showing people that they are something,” said Ardie Savea, highlighting the team's growth.

Kyren Taumoefolau's impressive hat-trick of tries couldn't overshadow Savea's significant contribution, marked by powerful runs and crucial possession wins at the breakdown. Moana Pasifika and the Blues are tied on points, but the Blues have fewer games left to play. Savea's team faces tough away matches against the Waikato Chiefs and Wellington Hurricanes in their final two fixtures.

a W in the 09.

🔊CHEEEEEEEEEEEHOOOOOOOOO pic.twitter.com/mbzx4fd9pi

— Moana Pasifika Rugby (@MoanaPasifika_) May 17, 2025

The ACT Brumbies' captain, Allan Alaalatoa, suffered a calf injury, raising concerns for the Wallabies ahead of their British and Irish Lions series in July.

In other matches, Western Force and NSW Waratahs suffered losses that likely ended their playoff chances. Waratahs coach Dan McKellar expressed frustration after their 48-33 defeat to the Crusaders, stating, “There are some people who are too comfortable. That needs to change,” and hinting at “systematic” problems within the team.

The Fijian Drua and Otago Highlanders have been eliminated from playoff contention. Meanwhile, the Chiefs and Crusaders, who trail the leaders by two points, have two games remaining to make their move.