Ardie Savea responds after reporter calls Hurricanes’ win ‘meaningless’ :

All Blacks number eight Ardie Savea corrected a reporter who described the Hurricanes’ victory over the Crusaders as ‘meaningless’.

The ‘Canes defeated their New Zealand rivals 27-26 to end the regular season on a high and set them up perfectly for the play-offs.

Frustrating campaign

Chris Holland’s men have endured a mixed season and failed to follow the Crusaders, Blues and Chiefs in securing a home semi-final.

Instead they finished in fifth position and will head to Canberra to take on the Brumbies in the Super Rugby Pacific quarter-finals.

Even if they get past the Australians, the Hurricanes will likely have to win the title by claiming three successive away triumphs.

The Wellington outfit can take inspiration from Munster in the United Rugby Championship, who did the same when they coincidently ended in fifth before beating Glasgow, Leinster and the Stormers.

Momentum

The Irish province completed the regular season in fine form, taking that momentum into the knockout stages, and it is something Holland’s charges will look to emulate.

Although there was nothing on the line league-wise for either the Hurricanes or Crusaders on Saturday, it could still prove to be an important building block for the hosts.

Reporter Guy Heveldt, who works for 1News, evidently disagreed, writing on Twitter: “Canes fans gloating after literally a meaningless win. Bless.”

Savea, who captains the ‘Canes, then responded, reminding Heveldt that it was likely some of their players’ last ever home game for the franchise.

He wrote: “Meaningful when you have players playing their last home game for the canes. Sending them off with a W,” before adding a sarcastic “BLESS” below.

Meaningful when you have players playing their last home game for the canes. Sending them off with a W.

BLESS??

— ardie savea (@ardiesavea) June 3, 2023

The Hurricanes face the Brumbies in Canberra next Saturday with the victor of that encounter playing the winner of the Chiefs v Reds clash in Hamilton.

READ MORE: WATCH: Jordie Barrett with fine offload in build-up to Billy Proctor try for Hurricanes against Crusaders