Page 33 - IB February 2025

Sports Sports

Captain Ardie Savea runs out for his first game with the Moana Pasifika

He might be new to the role in Moana Pasifika, but Captain the base of the scrums, Canakaivata continues to excel in his
Ardie Savea is a seasoned leader. While many rugby pundits game.
(especially All Blacks legend Sir John Kirwan) suggest Savea’s Co-Captain Tevita Ikanivere is a great leader with speed
departure from Wellington will see his overall performance and great offload skills. Ikanivere’s greatest attributes might
drop, at 31 years young, Ardie Savea is still a world class be his discipline and strong will to lead by example.
player. It will be exciting to see how things will unfold for him
as the tournament progresses. What to expect this season
A new amendment has been introduced in the Super Rugby
Fijian Drua players to watch 2025 finals format for this year, which excludes a quarter
Since moving on from the NSW Waratahs, utility back Vuate finals round. After Round 16, a three-week finals series will
Karawalevu looks like a great signing for the Fijian Drua. be held: the playoff format involving the top six teams on the
Karawalevu is versatile and strong in the back line. Even after overall competition table with qualifying finals, semis and a
coping a yellow card from a soft penalty in the first round, final.
Karawalevu scored two brilliant tries to keep his team in the The Fijian Drua have reached the quarter finals for the past
game. two seasons while Moana Pasifika hopes to win a finals berth
Iosefo Masi is always exciting to watch. He is undoubtedly this year. It’s too early in the season to guarantee whether
one of the best centers in the competition. With a Tokyo our Pacific teams have solid chances of making the finals
Olympic Gold medal under his belt, Masi reigns supreme as round, but as good rugby followers, we wish nothing but the
the franchise’s all-time top try scorer with 16 tries. best for them this season. The new Super Rugby finals format
Number 8, Elia Canakaivata is a formidable force for the might be a big challenge but that is what rugby is all about –
Drua. Known for his brutal tackling and hard running from overcoming challenges.

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