Like the majority of his teammates, Savea responded with one of the games of his life in scoring a hat-trick, including a try just before halftime when he bulldozed through three would-be defenders and settled the nerves of the coaching panel, as well as those back home. It was an inspired act of aggression and intent that few others would have attempted let alone been successful at.
For the Hurricanes, games don't get any bigger than this one against the Lions. The men from Wellington came up short last year against the Highlanders and a similar lapse would be devastating against a team who have travelled from Johannesburg and will be rank outsiders. South African teams traditionally struggle against teams who give them an early taste of physicality and power and, as strike weapons go, they don't get a lot bigger or more explosive than the 25-year-old Savea.
A start for him would also be a personal boost before the All Blacks first test of the Rugby Championship against Australia in Sydney on August 20. Coach Steve Hansen has already made it clear he won't lose faith in Savea, who has scored 39 tries in 43 tests, including eight tries in six matches at the last World Cup.
He is likely to start in that first test against the Wallabies at ANZ Stadium and, having had the backing of Hurricanes coach Chris Boyd, could significantly help his confidence.
That won't be at the top of Boyd's priority list, and fair enough, but Savea just needs a chance. If he gets one, he's unlikely to disappoint.