"But I'm pleased it's come together in the last couple of weeks."
Winger Stu Brosnahan has been finishing well to pick up a few tries, while Kaierau welcomed back No8 Darren Munro in full capacity after his cameo at the end of 2013.
"We knew if we got players back, with time, we'd improve," said Savell.
However, a toll has been extracted as flanker Ephraim Reynolds has been out injured since the Pirates game, while a massive blow to Kaierau and likely to Steelform Wanganui's Heartland campaign is the veteran Malo possibly missing the rest of the club season after shattering his cheekbone against Marton.
"You don't replace someone like Ace that easy," said Savell.
"He was seeing the doctor and he was going to get a plate put in. I'm going to have a talk with him in the next day or so."
Despite no Malo, Ruapehu coach Chris Winter knows after the defending champions lost to Pirates and Harvey Round Motors Ratana, that every match has significance, with only injuries in Round 2 likely to reduce various team's effectiveness.
In previous years, Ruapehu would pick up comfortable weekly wins and not really get a gauge on their true standing until facing Pirates or Waverley Harvesting Border, but Winter said that was simply no longer the case.
"I think there's been a good competition, it's better playing these games instead of [waiting for] a Top 4 team.
"Everyone should be game for it now."
Dealing with their own bumps and bruises, Ruapehu lock David Gower and flanker Matt Middlemass are doubtful starters tomorrow, although key lock Nick Cranston is believed to be back to full strength.
Feeding off that veteran forward pack is halfback William Short, who has worked his way to a share of the lead in the Most Valuable Player standings.
"He's a good little player, got a heap of heart in him," said Winter.
In addition, first-five George Williams managed to telegraph Premier's first drop goal of 2014 last week, a 22m attempt in the crucial 18-11 win over Taihape.
"Normally in season's past, Georgie strikes a wobbly one, but he struck this quite well."
After going so close so often, Taihape will be determined to finally beat a fellow Top 4 team when they meet Pirates at Memorial Park.
Pirates will not have goal-kicking winger Josaia Dawai, who has been stood down for two weeks after being sent off for stamping last week against Dave Hoskin Carriers Marist.,
Marist will want to shake off the disappointments of the past month when they play Marton at Spriggens Park, while Border come off the bye to host Utiku Old Boys at Dallison Park.