After loading up on airpoints during a highly successful two-week Super Rugby foray overseas, the Chiefs want to put their home record right.
The Chiefs top the Australasian Group with a 3-1 record, their loss coming from their sole appearance in Hamilton, when they fell to the Lions.
Star youngster Damian McKenzie says that 30-26 defeat will provide added incentive when they host the Western Force on Saturday night.
“It’s massive motivation for us, losing that first game at home,” he said.
“We owe the people of the Chiefs region a lot and we’ll be doing all we can this weekend to put a performance on the park for them.”
The Chiefs will go in as favourites against the Force, who are 1-3 and coming off a 41-6 defeat to the Hurricanes in Wellington.
But jet lag could also be a factor after a marathon road trip that brought wins over the Southern Kings in Port Elizabeth and the Pumas-laden Jaguares in Buenos Aires.
Against the Kings, McKenzie continued his impressive start to the year with a 28-point haul from a try and a 10-from-10 return off the tee.
The fullback also dotted down against the Jaguares for his fourth try of the campaign.
While the 20-year-old’s form has attracted the tag of “All Black-in-waiting”, his own assessment of his opening month of the season is a down-to-earth “it’s been not too bad”.
“I’ve been just lucky enough to be playing outside some awesome people and been able to play my game,” he said.
“There’s still plenty to work on and I’m just focusing on every game as it comes.”
His rates his goalkicking as his big improvement since 2015 and he had also tried to be more assertive on the counter-attack.
His kicking preparation involves a grin as he eyes the posts, which he explains is a way to help him relax and not to overthink his technique.
Noted as a five-eighth, a position occupied at the Chiefs by co-skipper and All Black Aaron Cruden, McKenzie has no qualm about operating at fullback, where played at the 2014 Junior World Cup.
“I’m really enjoying my time at 15 at the moment,” he said.
“With our game plan, it allows me to get into the first receiver role as well so I’ve got the best of both worlds at the moment.”
Demak
Roar Rookie
Anyone know when Godwin will return?
Rugby Tragic
Roar Rookie
Ahhh mate, not an optimist when it comes to the Chiefs, I think they are the real deal, well coached and destined to go deep into the tournament. I am an optimist when it comes to the Blues.. *groaning*
Taylorman
Guest
Yep me too, Chiefs are yet to bring out their best rugby as well. When they click they're going to be hard to beat for anyone and I think they're settling in nicely, the best yet to come.
Old Bugger
Guest
We shall all wait with baited breath.....carn the Chiefs.
ols
Roar Pro
Prior will go to 5/8 ;)
Die hard
Roar Rookie
Agree with RT sorry OB. If they hadn't lost to the Lions then perhaps. But as McKenzie said there is redemption in the air. I think the Force will crumble a death by cow bell. The Force are not that flash a forward unit anyhow compared to the heavy weights. This might be the week where the Chiefs settle things before pushing on.
Demak
Roar Rookie
Ben McCalman on the bench? and 3 half backs named in the 23? I don't get it
Old Bugger
Guest
Aaah mate - ever the optimist.....cheers for that cos me fingers and toes, are x-ed.
Rugby Tragic
Roar Rookie
Sorry OB, cannot agree .. Chiefs by a couple tries the minimum ... home ground advantage after dropping their first against the Lions .. the boys could not face their loyal band of supporters if they don't get up. If they can get anywhere near to parity up front, I think your back line can and will do the damage. That in spite of the injury list which is significant.
Old Bugger
Guest
This game has banana-skin written all over it for my liking. The Force weren't as bad as the score-line makes out last week bar, a couple of errors and defensive lapses - but, these are things that can be sorted out and improved upon before, this game against the Chiefs. The Chiefs are not so dissimilar from last year - hot one weekend and cold, the next. They will be feeling confident after their road-trip but feeling confident can sometimes return and kick you up the rear end. They will need to have their top 2" locked and loaded otherwise this Force side will do, some damage. With their pack seriously depleting every weekend, the effort from the Chiefs piggies, will need to lift even higher than they did, last week. If they don't, then I can foresee Hodgson with his nose rubbing against the green, just leading his pack to lift themselves through the whole 80mins. They will know in themselves that they didn't deserve to lose like they did last week and redemption IMO, will be uppermost on their minds, against my Chiefs. I'm hoping that home advantage will just get the lads a win but methinks, its gonna be a battle against a side that has more, to prove.