Dance of the desperates in the Capital
Ardie Savea is preaching discipline and calm on the field for his Hurricanes, amid a ‘‘massive’’ celebration of their Ma¯ori and Pasifika cultures when they welcome the Chiefs tonight.
On their second annual Mana Moana night at Sky Stadium, the Hurricanes will arrive wearing lavalavas in a celebration of their cultural diversity, with 29 of the 38-man contracted squad identifying as Ma¯ori or Pasifika.
Savea, too, will continue his postmatch routine of answering the first question in Samoan as he and older brother Julian begin to immerse themselves in the language with regular classes.
‘‘Hearing Paddy [Tuipulotu] last year speaking in Samoan, and TJ [Perenara] speak in Ma¯ori ... and also my personal journey trying to learn my language and learn the culture around that in this time of my life, it’s something I want to do. Hopefully one day I’m able to answer questions fluently in Samoan,’’ Savea said, ahead of the round-four match between the competition’s two winless sides.
Savea was proud this was now a regular celebration for the Hurricanes with their strong Pasifika influence over the years, notably the likes of Tana Umaga, Jonah Lomu, Alama Ieremia, Rodney So’oialo and Ma’a Nonu. Nonu first inspired a young
Savea to greater heights when returning to their Oriental-rongotai club.
‘‘It’s massive. I think last year 70 per cent of our team was made out of Ma¯ori and Pasifika players so it’s amazing to be able to celebrate the cultures within our team and the past players, some rugby greats.’’
While there will be a feelgood factor off the field, Savea acknowledges it’s time for action on it, as the Hurricanes mirrored last year’s Super Rugby Aotearoa start with losses to the Blues and Crusaders before the bye.
New coach Clayton Mcmillan’s
‘‘Hopefully one day I’m able to answer questions fluently in Samoan.’’
Ardie Savea
Chiefs arrive on an 11-match losing streak, having not won in Wellington since 2017, and the Hurricanes look the obvious favourites at home despite their injury disruptions.
‘‘Discipline is one, when you’re giving away yellow cards, including myself, it’s always hard to beat a team,’’ Savea said.
‘‘And staying present in key moments of the game. There’s a little bit of pressure, how we deal with that and continue to push forward and stay calm in those moments.’’
Hurricanes coach Jason Holland made six changes from their 33-16 loss to the Crusaders which saw them start well for 20 minutes before illdiscipline saw them overpowered by their hosts.
While power wings Salesi Rayasi and Julian Savea will combine for the first time in jerseys 11 and 14, the main focus will be on the little men with halfback Luke Campbell and first-five Orbyn Leger also a first-time combo after Jackson Garden-bachop joined the injured list.
Usually a midfielder, Leger has 10 Super Rugby matches to his credit, and last started at 10 for the Chiefs against the Highlanders in February 2019.
‘‘For me, and as a team, new is good. Having Lukey and Orbs running the show this week has been awesome and refreshing,’’ Savea said.
‘‘Obviously we’re disappointed in the results but the foundation of our team is strong. We know what we
Hurricanes: Jordie Barrett, Julian Savea, Billy Proctor, Ngani Laumape, Salesi Rayasi, Orbyn Leger, Luke Campbell, Ardie Savea (c), Du’plessis Kirifi, Reed Prinsep, Isaia WalkerLeawere, James Blackwell, Tyrel Lomax, Ricky Riccitelli, Xavier Numia. Reserves: James O’reilly, Fraser Armstrong, Tevita Mafileo, Liam Mitchell, Devan Flanders, Jonathan Taumateine, Peter Umaga-jensen, Wes Goosen.
Chiefs: Damian Mckenzie, Jonah Lowe, Anton Lienert-brown, Quinn Tupaea, Etene Nanai-seturo, Kaleb Trask, Bradweber (cc), Luke Jacobson, Sam Cane (cc), Mitchell Brown, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Tupou Vaa’i, Angus Ta’avao, Samisoni Taukei’aho, Aidan Ross. Reserves: Bradley Slater, Ollie Norris, Joe Apikotoa, Samipeni Finau, Simon Parker, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Alex Nankivell, Chase Tiatia.
Referee: Ben O’keeffe
need to do to get [wins], but actions matter. There’s positive vibes but we know we have to get results.’’
The Chiefs also reshuffled their man in the driver’s seat, with Kaleb Trask unseating Bryn Gatland from the No 10 spot.
Both sides have their All Blacks fullbacks covering first-five, with Jordie Barrett and Damian Mckenzie set for another intriguing duel on the field and with the kicking tee.