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I can smell it, I’m not talking about Rotorua folks, the Super season is just around the corner and all smells rosie in Chiefs country.
2012 was meant to be a fluke.
2013 they would flop without Sonny Bill Williams and try scoring phenomenon Jason Taumalolo.
2014 sees a swag of key players missing leading into it – Lelia Masaga, Richard Kahui, Patrick Osborne, Toby Smith, Fritz Lee, Matt Vant Leven, and their co-captain Craig Clarke.
Question marks around the fitness of Hika Elliot still remain after suffering a serious neck injury.
Losing talent like that would usually be a cause for panic, but such is the reputation of the culture in this champion team they have managed to lure some of the best talent on offer in the ITM cup and some proven experienced campaigners along for the journey, keeping the dream of three in a row alive and well.
The coaching team have been very busy in the off season, they have done the best recruiting job of all teams in the competition.
I would be surprised to see a better group of talent and that must be concerning for everyone else.
Jamie Macintosh
An All Black tourist and leader of men, Mac is an experienced prop whose impact and leadership was hugely missed when he was dropped by Jamie Joseph at the Highlanders.
This would have hurt him deeply and he will be out to prove a point. Look out.
Matt Symons
Was impressive for Canterbury before injuring his shoulder in the ITM cup.
The 2m, 117kg lock is not only a big man, he holds the Chiefs record in the yo-yo test, fitness to burn, bettering even Richie McCaw’s scores in his prime for the All Blacks.
A real chance at partnering Rettalick for a large chunk of 2014. What an engine room that would be.
Kane Thompson
An integral part of the 2012 side a real workhorse who can play 8 and cover lock. International experience.
Liam Squire
Look out for this kid, a real standout for the champion Tasman side last season at number 8.
I am picking him to secure the role early for the Chiefs and make it his own.
He has everything needed for an outstanding 8, just needs the experience.
Ihaia West
Eyebrows were raised all around New Zealand when this talented flyhalf failed to gain a Super contract; he was a standout for the Hawkes Bay and was also selected to run the cutter for the Maori.
Interrupted pre-seasons for Anscombe, Aaron Cruden and Rhys Marshall have led to the Chiefs getting their claws into this kid and he will be first in line if any injuries should arise in the backs.
Robbie Fruean
A beast of a man who will give the Chiefs midfield some much needed size.
He will not be rushed into this side and I see him playing more of an impact role for the first half of the season while he recovers from heart surgery.
Tom Marshall
The most underrated back in New Zealand. This guy would not have looked out of place in the midfield for the All Blacks and looked a class above for most of the ITM season.
Another from the champion Tasman side, he is a versatile player who will only add to the huge depth in the Chiefs’ backs.
James Lowe
Tasman seems to be the theme here, it’s no wonder champions want to play in champion teams and James Lowe was another standout in 2013.
A big man with natural instincts and speed, he is a genuine winger and one of the strike weapons of the ITM cup.
Mils Muliaina
100 tests of experience. Essential signing to replace the experience lost through Richard Kahui and Craig Clarke.
Class is permanent.
It almost seems unfair to add these players to a team that has gone back to back already.
While there are a few niggles in the camp I don’t see it slowing down the Chiefs start; they are used to rotating players and their depth will serve them well until everybody is on deck.
It’s hard not to feel confident as a Chiefs supporter. But it’s only early days and there are some very very strong line-ups.
Let us know why you think – does your team have what it takes to stop the Chiefs going three in a row?
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.