All Blacks v France
Kick-off: 7:05pm Saturday 5 July
Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin
Live blog updates on RNZ
Even though the All Black season is about to kick off this Saturday, the unfolding situation around the future of Moana Pasifika was addressed by this year's most high profile player today. Ardie Savea, who was named Super Rugby Pacific player of the year thanks to an outstanding season, said that "it would be a huge loss" if Moana was to be cut from the competition.
"I think it will be a huge loss if Moana wasn't in any rugby competition. I think any competition needs them in," said Savea at the team's home of North Harbour Stadium, where the All Blacks are preparing for the first test against France.
"Like I said, we're the Lord's team, we're the people's team. So hopefully, you know, whatever that looks like above my shoulders, it can work out."
This week Moana Pasifika owners Pasifika Medical Association Group (PMA) have denied any public funding has gone into the side, while Te Puni Kōkiri (TPK) has launched an independent review into allegations of inappropriate use of public funding allocated for Whānau Ora commissioning services.
On top of this Sky TV are believed to be close to ending their jersey sponsorship deal and NZ Rugby's projected reduced broadcast deal will likely affect the amount of funding Moana receive.
Savea is contracted until the end of the 2027 season, however, has a clause that allows him to spend next season playing overseas. The 96-test loose forward confirmed last month that he would be heading back for another lucrative short term deal at Japanese team Kubota Spears in 2026.
Meanwhile, Savea is part of a now very intriguing loose forward picture for the All Blacks. He will certainly start Saturday's season opener, but just who joins him will be interesting.
"It's hard because the loosie roles are quite interchangeable now on the field. You know, there's no specific role. t's not about you individually. It's how you collectively as a trio work together," said Savea.
Former Hurricanes teammate Du'Plessis Kirifi and impressive Crusaders number eight Christian Lio-Willie are in line to make test debuts, while Samipeni Finau will likely start at blindside,
"I played with Dupes for a while at the Canes and Christian, they've played awesome and they're in here for a reason. (But) All Blacks is a different level. So it's up to us to get around each other and best prepare for this level."
The expectations are high for the All Blacks to start their campaign off with a big win over a very inexperienced and understrength French team, which was today further hampered with news of an injuries to fullback Cheikh Tiberghien and wing Gabin Villière. However, in typical All Black fashion, Savea said no opponent would be taken lightly.
"It's what the jersey demands, and it doesn't matter who you play. You have to go out there and put your best foot forward. That's just the standard we uphold for ourselves."
