Chiefs all but extinguish Force’s finals hopes in record Tron trouncing, injury concerns for Dmac
As the Western Force’s finals hopes blew up in smoke, the Chiefs moved one step closer to securing top-four finish and a home-quarter final…
It has taken an injury to five-eighth Aaron Cruden for Gareth Anscombe to get his shot in the Chiefs No.10 jersey and the 22-year-old is determined to make the most of it.
Cruden has played the past 42 games at five-eighth for the Chiefs since joining them in 2012.
But a broken thumb means the All Blacks pivot will be on the sidelines for the next six weeks – handing Anscombe his chance.
“Obviously Cruden is a big loss. Everyone knows the class he brings to the side. We will as a team miss him,” said Anscombe ahead of Saturday’s Super Rugby clash with the Melbourne Rebels in Hamilton.
“It’s up to me to step into his shoes, step up for the team and make sure I bring the same sort of leadership and direction that he’s shown over the last few years.”
It is a challenge Anscombe is relishing after converting to fullback when he joined the Chiefs in 2013 and excelling there.
The Aucklander hasn’t played at 10 since a Chiefs’ pre-season game against the Highlanders last year. His last competition outing in the position was for Auckland in the ITM Cup in 2012.
But he is unfazed about making the switch.
“I’ve trained there with the Chiefs throughout the last two years. It’s a chance for me now to put that into practice on the field,” he said.
“I’m sure (the Rebels) will send a few runners my way. I’ll have a big role to play in our defence. But at 10 I’ve really got to give this team good direction.”
Anscombe, like Cruden, has an astute kicking game and is also willing to take on the line too.
It means the Chiefs’ game plan should not be vastly different with Anscombe at the helm.
“Obviously there will be subtle little changes but I’ve played with him enough over the last two years and seen him in action so I know the way we try and play as a team.”
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.
As the Western Force’s finals hopes blew up in smoke, the Chiefs moved one step closer to securing top-four finish and a home-quarter final…
Sometimes it’s best to start at the finish. The Waratahs winning the Super W final 50-14 against the Drua was the cap to a…
Chiefs coach Clayton McMillan says it’s “purely coincidental” that Semipeni Finau has put on a massive, late hit on a fourth fly-half in nine…
Everyone thought it was halftime, but referee Angus Gardner had other ideas, making the Chiefs and Crusaders stay on for the first half a…
Thirty-three years after going down to Queensland in Brisbane, Warren Gatland’s Welsh side will complete their tour of Australia in July by once again…
The Brumbies have been given an early season reality check, as Stephen Larkham’s men were thumped by the Chiefs 46-12 at AAMI Park on…