Ardie Savea Leads Moana Pasifika's Push for Playoffs

Moana Pasifika, led by Ardie Savea, emerges as a playoff contender in Super Rugby Pacific, despite a tough run-in.

Moana Pasifika, once struggling in Super Rugby, has emerged as a playoff contender this season under Ardie Savea's leadership. The team, designed to showcase Pacific island talent, has found its footing.

After winning just seven of 42 games in their first three seasons, Moana Pasifika has secured five wins this campaign, including a historic victory over the Otago Highlanders in Dunedin.

Moana Pasifika has enjoyed a breakthrough season, beating 14-time champions Canterbury Crusaders and NSW Waratahs for the first time this year. Sunday's win over the Highlanders propelled them to sixth place.

“We've put ourselves in a position where we're competing to be in the top six, and we're pretty happy about it,” said coach Tana Umaga, beaming with pride. Umaga was thrilled with the win, particularly the dramatic finish, saying, “Just proud, proud of everything that we've achieved.”

“The way we won today was just a lot of grit and guts, it wasn't a pretty game,” Umaga added.

“But knowing that we can win like that is good for us, because it does give you belief that when we knuckle down and just work together and trust everything that we're about, we're going to get results like that.”

Ardie Savea doing Ardie Savea things 🤯#SuperRugbyPacific | #HIGvMOA pic.twitter.com/pJ1EoeMnOi

— Super Rugby Pacific (@SuperRugby) May 4, 2025

Moana Pasifika has transformed into a formidable team, just two wins shy of their first postseason appearance. However, their final fixtures are challenging.

After a bye, they'll host the Auckland Blues, followed by away games against the Waikato Chiefs and Wellington Hurricanes. Coach Tana Umaga said, “This is when the good teams stand up, at the back end of seasons.” He added, “We've got some guys that have been here before and are experienced around that. And knowing that we can have confidence in who we are, we've just got to make sure that we execute our game. That's the key thing for us.”

Ardie Savea, the 2023 World Rugby Player of the Year, made a surprise switch to Moana Pasifika this season and has been outstanding. He added another brilliant try on Sunday, showcasing his exceptional form.

Savea, along with teammates like Melani Matavao and Miracle Fai'ilagi, represents a mix of Pacific island talent. Coach Tana Umaga described players like Matavao and Fai'ilagi as “straight from the islands.” Matavao's try, secured by charging down a kick, was pivotal in Moana's 34-29 win.