'Everyone doubted us': Ardie Savea's emotional reaction as season ends

It wasn’t to be for Moana Pasifika after an impressive season ended with another heavy defeat, 64-12, this time at the hands of the in-form Hurricanes in Wellington.

Despite Moana Pasifika’s season of upsets and punching above their weight, they were unable to string together a performance in the final two weeks to secure a spot in the six-place playoffs, finishing agonisingly close to making the playoffs for the very first time.

Moana Pasifika head coach Tana Umaga can be proud of his team’s season, which saw them beat the Blues, Crusaders, Highlanders, Hurricanes, Waratahs, and Fijian Drua en route to finishing with six wins and eight losses, earning 28 points and securing seventh place.

Super Rugby Pacific’s inaugural MVP for 2025, Ardie Savea, has been huge for the North Habour-based franchise this season, scoring another try on Saturday evening in Wellington to take his season total of tries to six in 2025.

Gracious but disappointed in defeat, Savea told Sky Sport after the game in Wellington on Saturday night that he’s extremely proud of his team.

“You know, everyone doubted us, God believed in us. Yeah, these boys came together and we brought people together, and it’s just fitting that I’ve come home to a special place for me with the Hurricanes fans and the Moana fans,” Savea said.

“It means so much to me, and it’s close to my heart, but for these boys to come here and do something for New Zealand Rugby in the Super Rugby competition is it’s a blessing in itself.”

Although Moana Pasifika fell short of the main goal of winning the title, Savea knows that his team isn’t just satisfied with competing in this competition.

“I mean, we’re not satisfied. You know, our goal was to win the thing and make the top six, but that wasn’t meant to be.”

Savea had a message to his former teammates at the Hurricanes, as well as Tyrel Lomax on his 100th appearance in Super Rugby Pacific.

“First and foremost, Tyrel, brother, congratulations wherever you are, congratulations to you and your family, to Ainsley and the babies.

“It’s been a pleasure playing alongside you and to see you pull up 100 games it’s awesome to see.

“And also, you just got to give credit to Du’Plessis Kirifi and his men, they are such a quality team, quality men and their team and I hope they go all the way and win the competition, all the best.

“Wishing and praying that you guys go all the way.”