July 21, 2024 • 10 mins
Absolute bombshell from NZ Herald writer Liam Napier this morning.
Ardie Savea is moving from the Hurricanes to Moana Pasifika!
Liam spoke to D'Arcy Waldegrave on Sportstalk abut what we know.
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:06):
You're listening to the Sports Talk podcast with Darcy Wildergrave
from News Talk ZEDB.
Speaker 2 (00:12):
Today opened up, tay to look at the paper, Well
what would you Ardie Savi is moving to Auckland. The
first thing I thought was he's off to the Blues.
Well that's hardly fair after winning the title, now they're
flogging arguably the best player in the world. But no,
it's not the case. Ardie Savia arguably the world's best
loose forward. Maybe even player might be moving to play
(00:34):
for Mulana pussy Fker. The man who wrote the story
is Liam Napier. He's a rugby scribe for New Zealand Herald.
He joins us Now, Liam, I suppose we start things off,
which explained it all.
Speaker 3 (00:45):
What's the skinny, hey, dars, great to be here. Look,
this has been bubbling away for a number of weeks.
Ardie Severe returned from his sixth month sabbatico in Japan
and he had a clause in his contract that allows
him to move from the Hurricanes to another New Zealand
Super Rugby team. So there've been bubbling's rumors of the
past couple of weeks about a patient you'll move to
(01:07):
the Blues or Miana Pacifica and my understanding that's come
to a head and he's very close to joining Moana,
which would be a major coup for a franchise that's
only been alive for three years, that doesn't have a
home base, that's struggle for sponsorship, struggle to gain a
foothold in the market. Artie's brother Julian plays for Moana
(01:29):
tana Umanga coached them and then improve massively this year.
But a big story because Artie Severe is a former
Hurricanes captain, a centurion of the franchise. Didn't play last
year for the Hurricanes because he was in Japan. But
a very big development because this is the reigning World
Rugby Player of the Year.
Speaker 2 (01:48):
He's very very good at what he does and he's
arguably just had his prime. So I suppose you've got
to look at a number of storylines out of this. First,
why Auckland and why Mona Pussifiki? You'd think Blues, But
what's the draw card up here?
Speaker 3 (02:03):
I think Artie first and foremost is a proud Polynesian man,
his parents are proud sam On and playing with his
brother Julian, who used to do at the Hurricanes, I
think would be a big lure. Julian lives in Auckland,
so I think that the factor of being proud of
that pacifica heritage is a big lure. And I think
(02:27):
potentially I haven't spoken to Artie, but he would have
sat back and watched the Hurricanes this year and the
boom of the young loose Ford talent.
Speaker 2 (02:35):
That They've got more loose boards in that side than
I want to do with, don't they. It's like back
in the day when Crusades used to collect first five eighths.
Speaker 3 (02:42):
That's right, they used to hold them, and yeah, you
go through Peter Luckey, Braden Yosse, Devin Flanders, Brad Shields,
Dup Carrefi. It's such a pethora of talent that the
Hurricanes had this year, and everyone thought they were going
to miss Ardie severe and they didn't miss a beat.
So I think that that may have been a factor.
(03:04):
Maybe a Artie's looking for new challenge as well. He's
in he's thirty years old, he's been at the Hurricanes
for ten years. He's been to Japan and that was
a really refreshing experience for him. So the chance to
come and help mentor the next generation. You know, if
you take a step back and look at Ardi as
a player, if you're a young Polynesian athlete in New Zealand,
(03:25):
you gravitate towards a guy like that who's emerged from
very humble beginnings to become an absolute global souperstar and
the impact that he could have on that franchise is exponential.
Speaker 2 (03:40):
Lem Napier joins us, So what about the quality of
his play moving into the future, because he's still very
much going to be part, you'd presume, of the next
World Cup campaign for the All Blacks. That detract from
what he brings to the park by playing for a
team like Moana Pussyfak with all due respect, but they're
not the top of the pops. What four games in
(04:00):
the last season that victory, so they're on their way up.
But what will that do for him, do you think
as a player?
Speaker 3 (04:05):
Yes, question, Maybe he doesn't. You could argue he doesn't
get the same level of coaching, but Miana have really
strengthened their coaching tim in recent years with Tana Umonger
but also Tom Coventry, who's a widely respected Ford's coach.
He was at the Chiefs when they won their two titles,
and he was with the Blues previously. Tom and look,
(04:28):
I think it will potentially bring out the best Nadi
because he's going to have to be providing this deal
goes through. I'm told it's not fully done yet, but
certainly hitting that way, he's going to be the marquee guy.
He's going to be looked up to as he is
in most teams. He's thirty years old, so he's still
got a lot of years left in him. He's contracted
at this stage to the end of twenty twenty five
(04:50):
of New Zealand rugby, but as part of these talks
about where he will play as Super Rugby, there's you know,
the desire I think from all parties for him to
extend through to the twenty twenty seven World Cup, whether
that includes potential of another Sabbatico and jap hand before
or after that. I know that that Artie really enjoyed
his time up there, and we all know that it's
(05:13):
a very lucrative experience for the top New Zealand raby players.
So I think Ardia's top of the pops isn't there
in terms of New Zealand Arabi players, So to a degree,
I think he can, you know, demand top dollar demand
flexibility in his contract. But I think just the lure
of playing with his brother, representing his culture and mentoring
(05:37):
Polynesian athletes, you bring together that combination, I think that's
a big factor. Without actually speaking to him directly.
Speaker 2 (05:45):
How much, say, how much swing does ins R have
in a decision like this? Do they sit back and
go whatever you want to do? Ar do you or
actually hold on for us because we know how it works. Right,
There's a pyramid and the all blacks are at the top,
and then everything else feeds toward that. So would they
have much influence here? Do you think?
Speaker 3 (06:01):
Then? No, I don't think that'd have any influence. But
if you look at it objectively, I think they want
Moana to be successful. They've invested a lot into that franchise.
They cut them a slice of broadcasting revenue, basically taken
them under their umbrella, and tried to do everything possible
(06:22):
to make them, to provide them with a future that
helps Samma and Tonga in particular, because the juror are
already deeply connected to Fiji. So I think they'd be
very happy that Ardi is likely to go to Mowana
because it is basically instant credibility for that franchise that
(06:43):
has struggled to you know, for just sustainable future, and
his presence would bring sponsorship fans, improved on field performance,
mentorship for fellow players. And you know, you made the
point the Hurricanes don't really need him, and that's it's
a bit baffling to say that about the world's best
player currently, but the depth and the loose forward of
(07:06):
the Hurricanes and the way they perform this year, his
influence is going to be far greater at Mowana than
it would be at the Hurricanes. He's going to lift
Moana up, isn't here?
Speaker 2 (07:16):
What about as far as attracting other players into Moana
Pussyfica plainly as a character and within the side and
someone to look up to. This is huge for this team, however,
thought Mowana Pussyfker initially was all about development for pacificol
and rugby, not a holding pen for potential all blacks
or current all blacks. How comfortable is that space?
Speaker 3 (07:38):
Yeah, I think there's a degree of flexibility there. When
you look at some of the Moana's previous recruits Christian Lelifano,
Sokopi Kefu were you know, sort of foundation players that
were brought over hugely experienced to help guide the way.
And I think fundamentally Moana are providing back to Samoa
and Tonga. But a player Ardies, should he go ahead
(08:03):
and sign for them and play for them, will attract
other players because of his presence who he is, and
the more Moana perform, the more players are likely to stay.
We've seen in recent years guys like lev R Moor
leave and go to the Crusaders because he saw that
as a bit.
Speaker 1 (08:22):
It didn't work, did it.
Speaker 3 (08:23):
It didn't go so well, but he left because he
saw the pathway as being more advantageous to the national team.
You know, he was a star of Moana and there
was a real kick in the teeth for the franchise
for him coming through. Tavatavanawa was another one who left
and went to the Highlanders. So if you bring a
guy la Ardi in, those other players are more likely
(08:46):
to stay, I think.
Speaker 2 (08:47):
And the last point, and this is of huge relevance.
Where are they going to play? What's happening with the
stadium or their home ground? Do they have one in
the wings do they have a plan. How important is
this because they are they're the nomads of Super Rugby.
They just wander around, find a ground and play it.
That's not helpful.
Speaker 3 (09:06):
It's not how you build a fan base, a sustainable
fan base you need. You need a home for people
to come to, buy season memberships, to get on boards
every week and look forward to coming and watching you play.
So you're right that they were the nomads. North Harbor
Stadium is where they train, but it's not a feasible
(09:27):
home ground. Maybe they look at somewhere like Counties and
book Co. There's no Super Rugby team base there. They
could use the venue. It's not been used for anything else.
This year they had one game I think in Tonga
and that will still be part of their future plans.
But they also played in Hamilton, Funaday, Eden Park, Mount
(09:49):
Smart and that can't continue, can it, Because that's not
how you build a franchise or a fan base. So
they need to find a home base and they need
to do it fast.
Speaker 1 (09:59):
For more from Sports Talk, listen live to news Talks
they'd be from seven pm weekdays, or follow the podcast
on iHeartRadio
You're listening to the Sports Talk podcast with Darcy Wildergrave
from News Talk ZEDB.
Speaker 2 (00:12):
Today opened up, tay to look at the paper, Well
what would you Ardie Savi is moving to Auckland. The
first thing I thought was he's off to the Blues.
Well that's hardly fair after winning the title, now they're
flogging arguably the best player in the world. But no,
it's not the case. Ardie Savia arguably the world's best
loose forward. Maybe even player might be moving to play
(00:34):
for Mulana pussy Fker. The man who wrote the story
is Liam Napier. He's a rugby scribe for New Zealand Herald.
He joins us Now, Liam, I suppose we start things off,
which explained it all.
Speaker 3 (00:45):
What's the skinny, hey, dars, great to be here. Look,
this has been bubbling away for a number of weeks.
Ardie Severe returned from his sixth month sabbatico in Japan
and he had a clause in his contract that allows
him to move from the Hurricanes to another New Zealand
Super Rugby team. So there've been bubbling's rumors of the
past couple of weeks about a patient you'll move to
(01:07):
the Blues or Miana Pacifica and my understanding that's come
to a head and he's very close to joining Moana,
which would be a major coup for a franchise that's
only been alive for three years, that doesn't have a
home base, that's struggle for sponsorship, struggle to gain a
foothold in the market. Artie's brother Julian plays for Moana
(01:29):
tana Umanga coached them and then improve massively this year.
But a big story because Artie Severe is a former
Hurricanes captain, a centurion of the franchise. Didn't play last
year for the Hurricanes because he was in Japan. But
a very big development because this is the reigning World
Rugby Player of the Year.
Speaker 2 (01:48):
He's very very good at what he does and he's
arguably just had his prime. So I suppose you've got
to look at a number of storylines out of this. First,
why Auckland and why Mona Pussifiki? You'd think Blues, But
what's the draw card up here?
Speaker 3 (02:03):
I think Artie first and foremost is a proud Polynesian man,
his parents are proud sam On and playing with his
brother Julian, who used to do at the Hurricanes, I
think would be a big lure. Julian lives in Auckland,
so I think that the factor of being proud of
that pacifica heritage is a big lure. And I think
(02:27):
potentially I haven't spoken to Artie, but he would have
sat back and watched the Hurricanes this year and the
boom of the young loose Ford talent.
Speaker 2 (02:35):
That They've got more loose boards in that side than
I want to do with, don't they. It's like back
in the day when Crusades used to collect first five eighths.
Speaker 3 (02:42):
That's right, they used to hold them, and yeah, you
go through Peter Luckey, Braden Yosse, Devin Flanders, Brad Shields,
Dup Carrefi. It's such a pethora of talent that the
Hurricanes had this year, and everyone thought they were going
to miss Ardie severe and they didn't miss a beat.
So I think that that may have been a factor.
(03:04):
Maybe a Artie's looking for new challenge as well. He's
in he's thirty years old, he's been at the Hurricanes
for ten years. He's been to Japan and that was
a really refreshing experience for him. So the chance to
come and help mentor the next generation. You know, if
you take a step back and look at Ardi as
a player, if you're a young Polynesian athlete in New Zealand,
(03:25):
you gravitate towards a guy like that who's emerged from
very humble beginnings to become an absolute global souperstar and
the impact that he could have on that franchise is exponential.
Speaker 2 (03:40):
Lem Napier joins us, So what about the quality of
his play moving into the future, because he's still very
much going to be part, you'd presume, of the next
World Cup campaign for the All Blacks. That detract from
what he brings to the park by playing for a
team like Moana Pussyfak with all due respect, but they're
not the top of the pops. What four games in
(04:00):
the last season that victory, so they're on their way up.
But what will that do for him, do you think
as a player?
Speaker 3 (04:05):
Yes, question, Maybe he doesn't. You could argue he doesn't
get the same level of coaching, but Miana have really
strengthened their coaching tim in recent years with Tana Umonger
but also Tom Coventry, who's a widely respected Ford's coach.
He was at the Chiefs when they won their two titles,
and he was with the Blues previously. Tom and look,
(04:28):
I think it will potentially bring out the best Nadi
because he's going to have to be providing this deal
goes through. I'm told it's not fully done yet, but
certainly hitting that way, he's going to be the marquee guy.
He's going to be looked up to as he is
in most teams. He's thirty years old, so he's still
got a lot of years left in him. He's contracted
at this stage to the end of twenty twenty five
(04:50):
of New Zealand rugby, but as part of these talks
about where he will play as Super Rugby, there's you know,
the desire I think from all parties for him to
extend through to the twenty twenty seven World Cup, whether
that includes potential of another Sabbatico and jap hand before
or after that. I know that that Artie really enjoyed
his time up there, and we all know that it's
(05:13):
a very lucrative experience for the top New Zealand raby players.
So I think Ardia's top of the pops isn't there
in terms of New Zealand Arabi players, So to a degree,
I think he can, you know, demand top dollar demand
flexibility in his contract. But I think just the lure
of playing with his brother, representing his culture and mentoring
(05:37):
Polynesian athletes, you bring together that combination, I think that's
a big factor. Without actually speaking to him directly.
Speaker 2 (05:45):
How much, say, how much swing does ins R have
in a decision like this? Do they sit back and
go whatever you want to do? Ar do you or
actually hold on for us because we know how it works. Right,
There's a pyramid and the all blacks are at the top,
and then everything else feeds toward that. So would they
have much influence here? Do you think?
Speaker 3 (06:01):
Then? No, I don't think that'd have any influence. But
if you look at it objectively, I think they want
Moana to be successful. They've invested a lot into that franchise.
They cut them a slice of broadcasting revenue, basically taken
them under their umbrella, and tried to do everything possible
(06:22):
to make them, to provide them with a future that
helps Samma and Tonga in particular, because the juror are
already deeply connected to Fiji. So I think they'd be
very happy that Ardi is likely to go to Mowana
because it is basically instant credibility for that franchise that
(06:43):
has struggled to you know, for just sustainable future, and
his presence would bring sponsorship fans, improved on field performance,
mentorship for fellow players. And you know, you made the
point the Hurricanes don't really need him, and that's it's
a bit baffling to say that about the world's best
player currently, but the depth and the loose forward of
(07:06):
the Hurricanes and the way they perform this year, his
influence is going to be far greater at Mowana than
it would be at the Hurricanes. He's going to lift
Moana up, isn't here?
Speaker 2 (07:16):
What about as far as attracting other players into Moana
Pussyfica plainly as a character and within the side and
someone to look up to. This is huge for this team, however,
thought Mowana Pussyfker initially was all about development for pacificol
and rugby, not a holding pen for potential all blacks
or current all blacks. How comfortable is that space?
Speaker 3 (07:38):
Yeah, I think there's a degree of flexibility there. When
you look at some of the Moana's previous recruits Christian Lelifano,
Sokopi Kefu were you know, sort of foundation players that
were brought over hugely experienced to help guide the way.
And I think fundamentally Moana are providing back to Samoa
and Tonga. But a player Ardies, should he go ahead
(08:03):
and sign for them and play for them, will attract
other players because of his presence who he is, and
the more Moana perform, the more players are likely to stay.
We've seen in recent years guys like lev R Moor
leave and go to the Crusaders because he saw that
as a bit.
Speaker 1 (08:22):
It didn't work, did it.
Speaker 3 (08:23):
It didn't go so well, but he left because he
saw the pathway as being more advantageous to the national team.
You know, he was a star of Moana and there
was a real kick in the teeth for the franchise
for him coming through. Tavatavanawa was another one who left
and went to the Highlanders. So if you bring a
guy la Ardi in, those other players are more likely
(08:46):
to stay, I think.
Speaker 2 (08:47):
And the last point, and this is of huge relevance.
Where are they going to play? What's happening with the
stadium or their home ground? Do they have one in
the wings do they have a plan. How important is
this because they are they're the nomads of Super Rugby.
They just wander around, find a ground and play it.
That's not helpful.
Speaker 3 (09:06):
It's not how you build a fan base, a sustainable
fan base you need. You need a home for people
to come to, buy season memberships, to get on boards
every week and look forward to coming and watching you play.
So you're right that they were the nomads. North Harbor
Stadium is where they train, but it's not a feasible
(09:27):
home ground. Maybe they look at somewhere like Counties and
book Co. There's no Super Rugby team base there. They
could use the venue. It's not been used for anything else.
This year they had one game I think in Tonga
and that will still be part of their future plans.
But they also played in Hamilton, Funaday, Eden Park, Mount
(09:49):
Smart and that can't continue, can it, Because that's not
how you build a franchise or a fan base. So
they need to find a home base and they need
to do it fast.
Speaker 1 (09:59):
For more from Sports Talk, listen live to news Talks
they'd be from seven pm weekdays, or follow the podcast
on iHeartRadio
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