Masina and Lina Savea will be watching proudly from the stands as their sons Julian and Ardie run out for the Hurricanes’ first home Super Rugby final this Saturday.
Masina Savea has already watched last weekend’s Super Rugby semifinal three times, looking for ways to sharpen his sons’ game for Saturday’s final.
He also admits neither of his sons listen much to his advice but, with both playing some of their best rugby at the moment, they can afford to ignore him.
Masina and wife Lina, along with much of the extended Savea family, will be in the crowd at Westpac Stadium to watch the Hurricanes take on the Highlanders for what would be the first Super Rugby title for either side.
Meanwhile, Ardie Savea, who is battling a knee injury, has been bracketed with Callum Gibbins ahead of the final.
The only confirmed change to the squad that beat the Brumbies in last weekend’s semifinal is the return of hooker Motu Matu’u, who has recovered from a knee injury to take his place in the reserves in place of Brayden Mitchell.
Wing Nehe Milner-Skudder, who left the field during the 29-9 win over the Brumbies with a hamstring strain, has been named to start on the right wing, while Cory Jane has been sidelined with an injury.
The Hurricanes host the Highlanders at 7.35pm Saturday.
Hurricanes: James Marshall, Nehe Milner-Skudder, Conrad Smith (c), Ma’a Nonu, Julian Savea, Beauden Barrett, TJ Perenara, Victor Vito, Ardie Savea/Callum Gibbins, Brad Shields, James Broadhurst, Jeremy Thrush, Ben Franks, Dane Coles, Reggie Goodes.
Reserves: Motu Matu’u, Chris Eves, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Callum Gibbins/Mark Abbott, Blade Thomson, Chris Smylie, Rey Lee-Lo, Matt Proctor.
Source: Stuff.co
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