Super Rugby: Hurricanes winger Julian Savea determined to depart a winner

  • 19/07/2018

Departing winger Julian Savea is looking to go out a winner and help the Hurricanes win another Super Rugby title before moving to France at the end of the season.

The 27-year-old confirmed last month he would leave New Zealand in a big-money move with French powerhouse Toulon on a two-year deal, but he has unfinished business to deal with first.

The 54-test All Black wants to leave a winner and to do that he will have to play an inflectional role in a tough playoff schedule which starts against the Chiefs on Friday night, with the victor to either face the Crusaders or the Sharks the following week for a spot in the final.

Savea isn't the only member of the club leaving at the end of the season, with captain Brad Shields, Blade Thomson, Michael Fatialofa and coach Chris Boyd all departing for the northern hemisphere.

With that in mind, Savea is determined to pay back the faith the side have shown him and get the Hurricanes their second Super Rugby crown.

"It's bittersweet. Excited to leave but it's also been a big part of my life, this club, and very special to my heart," Savea told reporters.

Super Rugby: Hurricanes winger Julian Savea determined to depart a winner
Super Rugby: Hurricanes winger Julian Savea determined to depart a winner

"I've given everything to them, and they've given so much back to me, so I'm pretty stoked and honoured to represent this club and, as I've said, this is probably the one jersey I'll miss most.

"My main focus has been on this week and if it's going to be my last week with the Canes or not."

Savea has been named to start on the right wing for tomorrow's encounter, having been on the bench when the Hurricanes met the Chiefs in Hamilton last Friday. 

The Chiefs won that game 28-24 after leading 21-0 at halftime.

Savea said the Hurricanes couldn't afford to have another shaky start and let the Chiefs dominate early.

"We had a good second half. The boys showed some urgency, but we started slow.

"They were winning the races in the races in the first half, and we can't let them do that again, because there is no coming back from that.

"If we don't win, then we're out, so we have to come out on top."

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