We’re six months out, but someone needs to strike while the crystal ball is untouched by other pundits. A look at the Chiefs in 2013.
Aside from the local derbies, it is a reasonable draw for the Chiefs.
They hit the road early with a round four encounter against the Stormers, which shapes as their toughest away game. The Kings, Waratahs and Rebels make up their other away sides.
They have a couple of tough ones at home as well, with the Reds and Sharks visiting. Cheetahs and Force also visit. It is not an easy draw with three of last year’s finalists, but then again they have a few games against weaker ranked opponents to offset the tough ones.
Summary
Dave Rennie has done wonders with this side, loading it with talent from his under 20 coaching days. Not only do they have talent in the starting 15, they also have depth as well, particularly around the halves, with the inclusion of Gareth Anscombe.
The million dollar question with this side is how they will go without Sonny Bill Williams in their midfield. It is a massive loss but this is partially offset by getting Richard Kahui back, who missed half of last season with injury. How they rise to this challenge will define their season.
This side has youth and talent on their side and with an extra year of experience under their belt and last season’s brilliant results, there is no reason to suggest they will not be a major force again.
Kerr Barlow and Cruden have both come on in leaps and bounds, as have many of the players from Dave Rennie’s under 20 legacy.
If you look through the side from 1 to 15, you couldn’t say any of those players are the best in the country in their position, but in many positions they are not that far off. The beauty about the Chief’s side and the key to their success last year was this balance and the brilliant coaching effort.
Expect the Chiefs to be right in the hunt again. They have a coach that gave them self-belief last season and it is amazing how far a little self-belief goes.
They will be, along with the Crusaders, the side to beat in the New Zealand conference.
The Squad
Front Row: Ben Afeaki, Hikawera Elliot, Josh Hohneck, Ben Tameifuna, Solomona Sakalia, Toby Smith, Mahonri Schwalger, Rhys Marshall
Locks: Craig Clarke, Mike Fitzgerald, Romana Graham, Brodie Retallick
Loose Forwards: Sam Cane, Nick Crosswell, Ross Filipo, Tanerau Latimer, Liam Messam, Fritz Lee
Halfbacks: Augustine Pulu, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Brendon Leonard
Flyhalves: Gareth Anscombe, Aaron Cruden
Centres: Bundee Aki, Andrew Horrell, Charlie Ngatai, Richard Kahui
Outside backs: Asaeli Tikoirotuma, Robbie Robinson, Tim Nanai-Williams, Lelia Masaga, Patrick Osborne
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