RESURGENT CHIEFS AIMING HIGH

The Chiefs could count themselves unlucky to lose their semi-final against the Crusaders last year. With another strong squad, they will be a force in 2023.

Coach: Clayton McMillan

Captains: Sam Cane, Brad Weber

Home ground: FMG Stadium Waikato

Website: www.chiefs.co.nz

Tickets: www.chiefs.co.nz/game-tickets

Contact: PO Box 4292, Hamilton East 3247. Phone 0800 424 4337

Email: info@chiefs.co.nz

Team TAB odds: $4.50

FORWARDS:

Samisoni Taukei’aho, Bradley Slater, Tyrone Thompson, Aidan Ross, Atunaisa Moli, John Ryan, Ollie Norris, George Dyer, Jared Proffit, Tupou Vaa’i, Brodie Retallick, Laghlan McWhannell, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Josh Lord, Manaaki Selby-Rickit, Sam Cane, Luke Jacobson, Simon Parker, Pita-Gus Sowakula, Kaylum Boshier, Samipeni Finau.

BACKS:

Brad Weber, Xavier Roe, Cortez Ratima, Bryn Gatland, Damian

McKenzie, Josh Ioane, Alex Nankivell, Quinn Tupaea, Anton Lienert-Brown, Rameka Poihipi, Gideon Wrampling, Ngatungane Punivai, Emoni Narawa, Etene

Nanai-Seturo, Shaun Stevenson, Rivez Reihana, Peniasi Malimali.

LAST YEAR:

SUPER RUGBY PACIFIC: SEMI-FINALS

It was a campaign that overall the Chiefs would be pleased with. They finished in third place, behind the Blues and Crusaders, to set-up a semi-final showdown in Christchurch. Despite being a man down after 32 minutes, the Crusaders put on a defensive masterclass to grind out a 20–7 win.

LUCK OF THE DRAW:

The Chiefs do not have to wait long to avenge that semi-final defeat as they are scheduled to play the Crusaders in the opening round, away from home. Moana Pasifika are next in Melbourne, then the Highlanders and Rebels in Hamilton before a trip to Sydney to take on the Waratahs.

CAMPAIGN PREVIEW:

Clayton McMillan is about to start his third season as head coach of the Chiefs. He is particularly pleased with the continuity of players he has and how well they have matured over the last few years together.

“There is loads of evidence that shows players who play a lot of time together build a lot of cohesion and a cohesive team is a successful team. The Chiefs have been through a transition with young guys coming into Super Rugby probably ahead of their time and consequently, the Chiefs have been through some adversity.

“We have had to endure some tough times but now many of those players are three or four campaigns deep. We have a great balance of youth and experience, with experience in all the key driver positions. We haven’t had to go to the market too heavily in the off-season and what we have brought in, we think compliments what we currently have.”

The season-ending neck injury to Angus Ta’avao was a blow to the Chiefs but signing Ireland’s John Ryan is a major boost. The experienced tighthead prop has played 201 games for Munster and 24 tests for Ireland.

“John is a well-rounded rugby player but his strength lies in his set-piece ability, particularly at scrummaging, while Angus has made his name with his athleticism and high skill-set. So they are different but we are lucky to have secured (Ryan’s) services. I think he is going to be a great addition and we have every confidence he is going to come and add something to our team,” says McMillan.

Last year, Chiefs outside back Shaun Stevenson starred for the All Blacks XV against both Ireland A and the Barbarians.

McMillan can’t wait to see him in tandem with the dangerous Damian McKenzie, who is back from Japan.

“Shaun has been a Super Rugby player for a while now and we are all well aware of the strengths he brings to the table. He is big, he is fast, he has a real nose for the try-line and has got an outstanding boot. He has been making some really good defensive reads and tackles, and we have seen a real willingness to get into the combat areas of the game.

“(McKenzie) is the difference for every team he plays for. He is a bundle of energy and has accumulated a wealth of experience now. He brings X-factor, he brings leadership, and we actually survived without him last year but we are a better team for having him in our environment.”

WHO’S NEW:

Forwards: Manaaki Selby-Rickit (Highlanders), Jared Proffit (Hurricanes), John Ryan (Munster).

Backs: Damian McKenzie (Japan), Ngane Punivai (Highlanders), Peniasi Malimali (Counties Manukau).

WHO’S THROUGH:

Forwards: Sione Mafileo (North Harbour), Reuben O’Neill (injured), Mitchell Brown (Japan).

Backs: Kaleb Trask (Japan), Jonah Lowe (Highlanders), Chase Tiatia (Western Force).