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Ardie Savea Starts, Leads Kobe to Final, Hopes Moana Survives

6/7/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Ardie Savea, 2023 Rugby Player of the Year, will start at openside flanker for Kobe Steelers in the final against Kubota Spears at Tokyo’s MUFC Stadium on Sunday.
Savea scored two tries in Kobe’s 69-23 semi-final win over Suntory Sungoliath while the side is captained by 17-try scorer Brodie Retallick and co-captain Lee Seung-sin (126 points).
Savea said he hopes Moana Pasifika survives, adding that even a 1 % chance is enough.

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Story summary

Ardie Savea, 2023 Rugby Player of the Year, will start at openside flanker for Kobe Steelers in the final against Kubota Spears at Tokyo’s MUFC Stadium on Sunday.
Savea scored two tries in Kobe’s 69-23 semi-final win over Suntory Sungoliath while the side is captained by 17-try scorer Brodie Retallick and co-captain Lee Seung-sin (126 points).
Savea said he hopes Moana Pasifika survives, adding that even a 1 % chance is enough.