The two Hurricanes flankers are similar in the sense that they both possess almost ridiculous athletic qualities that allow them to do things other players can't. Give Savea space and he'll run like a back, pop up in the most unexpected places, pull off the almost impossible and contribute in a way that leaves defences puzzled.
It is hypnotic viewing and why he has such a large following who, throughout last year, were adamant he should be starting tests at openside ahead of Sam Cane. But the coaching staff only bought so far into the legend of Savea because their expectations were different.
What they need from their openside is graft: a player who can make repeat dominant tackles, cleanout 125kg props, carry into the heaviest traffic and yet, after all that punishing work, still have the legs to link the play.
On that criteria, Cane sits ahead of Savea and the situation is much the same when it comes to making a comparison between Fifita and Liam Squire. For now at least, Squire has the greater understanding of the blindside role. He's more experienced, more in tune with the demands of test football and what actually needs to happen for the All Blacks to play the game they want.
Fifita has all the same physical attributes and that vital aggressive attitude, but doesn't have the same game understanding or ability to inject himself into the game in the right way at the right time.
"We need him to be in the right places in the different structures, but that's normal," said All Blacks coach Steve Hansen after Fifita's wow factor performance in New Plymouth against the Pumas.
"As he gets out there and understands the structures better, he's likely to be in the right places more often than not. But you can't just go out to the flank and wait for the ball to come to you. Sometimes, as a flanker, you've got to do the hard work too."
It's not that the All Blacks don't want Fifita to maraud on the wing, just that if he's going to, it can't be at the expense of the grafting chores. He needs to learn how to balance his game at the highest level to give the All Blacks the best of both worlds.
Squire has come of age this year because he's been able to do just that. He's been brutal in the close encounter stuff, making some huge hits and playing the role of enforcer. He's also, though, been able to get his hands on the ball out wide and use his explosive power and pace to cause damage on the flanks.
He's only worried about doing the latter once he's taken care of the former and this is the sort of mix the coaching staff want to see from Fifita. They have every faith he can do what they will need him to as he's proven himself to be a fast learner - malleable and responsive to coaching input.
The coaches may not see Fifita in quite the same light as the public, but it's only a mater of time before the two are in alignment.
