Why John Kirwan ‘isn’t convinced’ by Ardie Savea's move to Moana Pasifika

Monday, 22 July 2024

Ardie Savea's big move to Moana Pasifika debated on The Breakdown

Former All Blacks debate Ardie Savea’s shock transfer to Moana Pasifika.

The All Blacks star has confirmed he will be leaving the Hurricanes after 11 seasons.

Savea’s signing is a massive coup for the struggling Moana, who are coming off an 11th place finish.

Moana Pasifika have strengthened their squad considerably with the high-profile arrival of Ardie Savea.

The All Blacks No. 8 has announced he will be leaving the Hurricanes after more than a decade to join the Auckland-based Super Rugby Pacific franchise on a three-year deal from 2025.

Ardie Savea has signed a three-year deal with Moana Pasifika.

Savea will reunite with brother Julian Savea at Moana and said he wanted to represent his Samoan heritage.

But former All Blacks winger John Kirwan is worried the World Rugby player of the year’s shock switch could be detrimental for New Zealand.

Ardie Savea swapping sides after confirming move to Moana Pasifika.

While there is no doubt a signing of Savea’s quality will vastly improve the worst team in Super Rugby over the past three years, Kirwan questioned the impact it could have on the All Blacks.

Kirwan made the comments on the Breakdown on Sky Sport, where Savea’s move to Moana divided opinion among the panel of former All Blacks.

“I’m not convinced,” Kirwan admitted. “I could be wrong but the idea of Moana Pasifika for me was to grow Pasifika rugby.

“Don’t get me wrong, I want Moana Pasifika to be great but is it good for Ardie Savea if they have another season where they are second to last?

“Is that going to help us as All Blacks that Ardie is going to be coming from possibly doing extra or struggling. It’ll be a bigger work load.”

Kirwan made the comments based off his own experiences from his playing career when he was the marquee signing in a second-tier team in Italy.

“I remember one of my worst seasons ever. I went to the second division in Italy and I just played terribly because I was too worried about doing a whole lot of jobs,” he added.

Ardie Savea’s exit should provide more opportunities for rising stars like Peter Lakai.

“Is it really good for the All Blacks that he’s going to Moana Pasifika?”

Justin Marshall disagreed with Kirwan and said he thought Savea’s move was a win-win, including for the Hurricanes.

Rising stars Peter Lakai and Brayden Iose excelled in Savea’s absence this year, leading the Hurricanes to a top of the table finish and a home semifinal.

But their minutes could have dried up next year, stunting their development, had Savea returned to the Hurricanes as expected following a season with Japanese club Kobe Kobelco Steelers.

Even without Savea, the Hurricanes occasionally elected for a 6-2 split on the bench so they could accommodate loose forwards Lakai, Iose, Brad Shields, Devan Flanders and Du’Plessis Kirifi.

Marshall also felt Savea would raise the standards at Moana.

“This year the Hurricanes functioned so well without Ardie Savea and we were very close to being in a final,” Marshall told the Breakdown.

“There’s no doubt the move will be massively advantageous to Moana Pasifika because of the numbers a world-class player like Ardie Savea will bring. It’s a good decision.

“And to be fair, it might freshen him up a bit. he’s been at that one franchise for a very long time and there’s nothing like getting something a bit different when you turn up for training each day.”

What do you think of Ardie Savea’s decision? Let us know in the comments.