Savea fit to lead the way for Canes

Julian Savea looks happy and fit as a fiddle.

That’s terrific news, given we’re beyond the point where the Hurricanes wing’s words carry much weight. Exiled from the All Blacks after a sustained period of indifferent Super Rugby form and concerns about his condition, it will take a string of stellar performances to earn him a 55th test cap.

The 27-year-old will need luck and the benevolence of the Hurricanes’ coaches too. But at least he’s met them halfway, by shedding a bit of timber and putting a smile on his face.

‘‘I’ve had a good pre-season, rather than coming in later in the pre-season. That’s been pretty good and I’ve been working on some skill and getting fitter and hopefully faster,’’ Savea said, as the Hurricanes headed to the Brisbane Global Tens yesterday.

Savea is an ambassador for the event and obliged to promote it.

The rest of the Hurricanes not so much. They were unable to provide media with a squad for the two-day event yesterday morning, with Hurricanes management suggesting Tens organisers Duco had wanted that privilege instead.

Savea was named skipper of an outfit light on Super Rugby experience.

Ben Lam, Jackson Gardenbachop and Murray Douglas immediately leapt out as being among the few who’ve had a reasonable taste of franchise footy.