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?
atlas
Guest
why do you dislike sponsors so much? Last September NZRU announced an extra $42 million handout to the provinces which filters down to clubs, while maintaining their minimum cash reserves of $50 million, surely that is not a bad thing? I had a brief stint as a fulltime athlete - and was proud to wear their clothing/promote on behalf; couldn't have done it without the support of (here we go . . .) Orca wetsuits, Specialized cycles and Brooks sports gear. Where would Qantas Wallabies be financially without the Qantas input?
Kiwi Rugby/Rugby League Fan
Guest
Fraser an Boys high bro . Dillon ? Matt crouch
Kuruki
Roar Guru
how did that work out for them the past two seasons?
abc
Guest
The reds will beat them again with a bonus point as they always do....
Justin3
Guest
Lots a players from other teams coming in, lucky it doesn't happen outside Australia...oh wait a minute.com
WQ
Guest
You mean Qantas teams don't you Jiggles?
Jiggles
Roar Guru
AIG teams lost more games to Australian teams. So by toughest you mean weakest, right?
Kane
Guest
Before Mackintosh does anything he should learn how to scrummage. He could then go on to learn how to take the ball into contact properly an then and only then might I ahve some time for him.
DilzfromHtown
Guest
What school did you go too? I'm a Melville boy, born and raised in Hamilton I know almost everybody lol
DilzfromHtown
Guest
IMO blues only have a superstar team because they have players who were picked for the all blacks. Chiefs players always miss out on all blacks selection. Look at the hurricanes, they have a better team than the blues but they never win titles. It's about culture and team chemistry and the chiefs win that department hands down. Crusaders would be the next team. Blues will struggle I'm telling you
Chan Wee
Guest
@ Tane Mahuta : RF contracted RHEUMATIC FEVER. he will never operate at 80% let alone 100%. he is lucky to be alive and well should count all his blessings. (also note that while rheumatic fever affects the heart primarily, even th joints are affected secondarily. ) I would be interested to know he managed to contract it, given the illness is almost non-existent in the developped world.
Chan Wee
Guest
@ ben : "" The Chiefs will win again because they are coached by a great ex AB Coach and the man tipped to succeed Hansen as the next AB coach. "" chiefs head coach - Dave Rennie assistant coaches - Wayne Smith Tom Coventry Andrew Strawbridge my mistake for not knowing Wayne Smith had indeed coached MIB for one year. In my mind he was always SGH's assistant :)
Kuruki
Roar Guru
The operation (fingers crossed) should have sorted his issue with fitness. I can actually see him being used as an impact player.
Kuruki
Roar Guru
I'm pretty sure i just put Taumalolo. The editor must have put Jason.
Old Bugger
Guest
CW Fair enuff....so my bench would be: Tameifuna-prop (33) Manu-prop (17) Schwalger-hooker (53) Cane-Loosie (39) Pulu-HB (24) Horrell-IC/FH (25) Ngatai -OC/FB (24) Lowe/Tamanivalu-wing I think the new rules allows 2 props on the bench this season for an 8-man bench totalling 215 SR caps...not a bad result wouldn't you think? The comp consists of 19rds with 2byes per team - 17games before the finals. I understand Fruen is training well but the jury may still be out on his long term position. All up, there's 975 SR caps across 24players. That's a pretty good fistful of experience in that lot. The Chiefs squad includes 4 players who have captained an SR side - Messam, Latimer, MacIntosh and of course Millsy. Rennie & Co are considering the co-captains role again like past seasons but those 4 players alone, can amass 383 SR caps between them - not a bad deal overall. The Blues may have a team of stars but inevitably, they will need to perform like a star team to improve on last years results. That will fall on the shoulders of their chosen captain and his vc. But I agree, they will need to start strong, maintain that form and not end in a whimper, as they did. Lastly, I suggest that Blackadder needs to take the Saders all the way otherwise they may look for a new coach next year - whether that's Deans or not, is another matter.
Chan Wee
Guest
@ Old Bugger : accept ur point of view but let me counter with following. 1. modern rugger is played by 23 , more often than not. 2. there are 16 matches , right? and already chiefs have used some wider guys as injury cover. 3. i will wait on freuen a lot long, not becos he is a bad player but becoz he got rheumatic fever and hence a bad heart. (even as he is lucky to survive from it, in my limited medical opinion he will never function at 80% let alone 100%). 4. i want to see how Messam leads, without Clrake. IMO he was the numero uno , while Messam gave support. 5.i said light weight looking at the bench. other than Cane cant think of many who can come in and change a game. Blues, on the other hand have a superstar team. If they gel and keep at it , can be the surprise. even last year they started with a bang and ended with a whimper. Crusaders, will be ther as always. can they win one , I just dont know. Maybe Deans has to come back :)
The Other Steve
Guest
This is a claim that is as reliable and predicatable as the New Years Eve fireworks on the harbour bridge. Has as much long-term impact as the fireworks as well.
The V Man
Guest
Thanks fellas. Someone is paying attention.
Common Sense
Guest
I thought he was referring to two different people.
Old Bugger
Guest
CW Interesting comment being "light weight on paper". If I presume all players are ready to go with the exception of the injuries you've noted, then I'd venture to suggest the following line-up (SR caps in brackets) against the Crusaders: Afeaki (35) - Marshall (9)-Elliot injured Big Bopper (67) - replacing Toby Smith Retallick (35) - first choice Symons (8) - new kid in town with extraordinary aerobic capacity Latimer (99) - following last year's pattern of TL over SC. Messam (113) - first choice Thompson (28) - first choice but cant wait to see Squires TKB (41) - first choice Cruden (61) - first choice Aki (14) - toss up with Ngatai Fruen (62) - hope his ailments are behind him TNW (51) - first choice Tikoirotuma (33) - Marshall injured Millsy (104) - Robbo injured That's a total of 760 SR caps which offers some serious experience available for the coaching team. If this team plays half the SR rounds, thats another 150caps boosting the experience levels to 910 caps. The team includes huge front row props, tall and mobile locks, an exceptional loose trio, key halves, speed to burn in the centre/wings and an accomplished, experienced and steady hand in the last line of defense. Will they gell in the wake of departures from last year?? IMO, I'll say yes they will considering 12 players are from last year and 3 players are new to the environment. Still, your first game of the comp against the Crusaders will certainly necessitate choosing your best because you can bet that's exactly what the Saders will be doing.