Julian and Ardie Savea after their win over Argentina in 2016. Photo: Pablo Gasparini
Moana Pasifika vs Fijian Drua
- 4.35pm Saturday 26 April
- North Harbour Stadium, Albany.
Live blog updates on RNZ
It's a daunting problem for any opposition to solve - Savea squared.
Brothers Ardie and Julian are set to take the field together for the first time in a Moana jersey this Saturday.
The 45th set of siblings to play for the All Blacks, the Savea's have each at one time been regarded as the most feared player on the planet.
After forging a legacy together at the Hurricanes, the brothers are set to write a new chapter in their storied family history.
The pair first played alongside one another back in 2004, with Ardie still very much in his bigger brother's shadow.
"I think I was nine, he was 13 playing for Ories (Oriental-Rongotai), so it's the first time we played together, but it's amazing how everything works out.
"I'm 31, he's 34, and we're still playing together, it's a huge blessing. But for me and Jules, we just want to go out there, play well and try and get the win."
It was through trying to keep pace with Julian that Ardie developed his incomparable on-field ferocity.
"At 13, he was the size he is now. I was a half back back then. So I was small. It taught me to play against guys bigger than me, which is what I'm doing now. Obviously being a small loose forward but teaches you to have a big heart."
Though he will wear the captain's armband, Ardie said Julian's aura sees players naturally follow him.
Julian Savea (R with brother Ardie during a Hurricanes media and training session at Rugby Park Monday, 03 August 2020. Photo: Photosport
"I think people underestimate the leadership and the experience that he brings when he comes onto the field, which as a leader, is something you need around the park. So him coming off the bench will be important for us and all the other bench guys too."
Fittingly, the Savea brothers' first game together at Moana comes against fellow Pasifika side the Fijian Drua, with Julian to come off the bench at Albany.
While both sides have been brilliant in patches throughout 2025, a lack of consistency has kept them anchored to the bottom of the Super Rugby Pacific points table.
"Obviously we have both teams that represent the Pacific and both teams play for our people. I understand how important it is for our communities to come together and celebrate the game of footy and how we play it together.
"But then on the flip side, my mindset is it's another game to nail our stuff, my stuff and try and be ruthless in certain areas on the game day."
Ardie said it will be a very proud moment for their family, and their legacy.
"Me and Jules have done it enough times. We've played Canes, All Blacks, now is just another huge milestone for us so that we can look back when we're old, drinking Kava, watching the kids run around and just reminisce on these memories.
The Savea brothers Photo: Photosport
"So hopefully it's a good memory this week."
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