Team of the Week – Round 3

The two teams on a crash course to meet (most likely for the first of three times this season) did what they needed to set up the Sunday arvo blockbuster at Eden Park. Unsurprisingly, it is the Crusaders and Blues who dominate my Team of the Week for round 3 of Super Rugby Aotearoa:

  1. George Bower (Crusaders) just edges an impressive Karl Tu’inukuafe (Blues) by being ever so slightly more active around the pack. The pair were very tough to separate as they were both super impressive in their core roles
  2. Samisoni Taukei’aho (Chiefs) battled away manfully, with and without the ball
  3. Ofa Tuungafasi (Blues) is hands down the best tighthead prop in NZ and played like it again on Sunday. His development in the last three to four years has been huge
  4. Tupou Vaai (Chiefs) put in a huge shift in a losing cause, looking every inch an international lock playing opposite to two firmly established test second row forwards
  5. Scott Barrett (Crusaders) was back to his best, being a pest at lineout time and generally throwing himself around the field at a great rate of knots. PS Very impressive debut at this level by the highly touted (and easy to see why) Sam Darry (Blues)
  6. Its immensely enjoyable watching a player who you’ve always known had the talent put it all together at a high level and with consistency. That’s what I’m sure many rugby fans will be thinking as they watch Akira Ioane (Blues) be so prominent and impactful; another outstanding display
  7. High work rate, high intensity, high impact – just your typical day at the office for Dalton Papali’i (Blues); he could be a huge difference maker this weekend especially with Tom Christie out for the Crusaders
  8. Whetukamokamo Douglas (Crusaders) came in late for Cullen Grace and just went to work. Huge ball carrying night, excellent on defence and won his lineout ball when his number was called
  9. You have to be at your best when playing opposite Aaron Smith and that’s exactly what Jonathan Ruru (Blues) did; the improvement in his decision making is very apparent to this observer
  10. It may have appeared to be a laydown mazaire for Richie Mo’unga (Crusaders) after another decisive display on Saturday night but don’t undersell the aplomb with which Otere Black (Blues) guided his team around the field on Sunday afternoon.
  11. The only thing that Leicester Fainga’anuku (Crusaders) didn’t do against the Chiefs was stay in bounds when diving for the corner in the tenth minute of the game … don’t at me, that foot grazed the grass! Everything else he did was outstanding by the way
  12. Another position in the backline; another excellent performance by David Havili (Crusaders) whose quality and versatility lends itself massively to being a perfect RWC squad member in two years time. Credit also to Harry Plummer (Blues) for his best all round game at Super Rugby level
  13. Rieko Ioane (Blues) is gapping the field when it comes to centre play. Yes he did shelled a couple of passes that came to him, but overall his attacking play was excellent while his defensive work was yet again quite brilliant
  14. He got 40 minutes due to the injury to Mark Telea and Emoni Narawa (Blues) packed a fair bit of good rugby into that half of footy; a nice confidence booster ahead of what youd suspect will be a huge opportunity starting this weekend
  15. Tough choice this – Will Jordan (Crusaders) was top drawer while Damian McKenzie (Chiefs) did a whole lot with the few opportunities that came his way … Jordan with the bigger moments gets the nod

The Nigel Yalden Podcast – 16 March 2021

https://anchor.fm/nigel-yalden/embed/episodes/The-Nigel-Yalden-Podcast—16-March-2021-esm6b8

In this episode, Nigel chats Wellington Phoenix football (0:58) with Sky Sport football commentator Jason Pine before turning their attention to the ISPS Handa Premiership (5:05).  Nige is then joined by NZME rugby commentator Elliott Smith (22:37) to chat about the plethora of topics to come out of the opening three weeks on Super Rugby Aotearoa 

Team of the Week – Round 2

A great round for the Southern teams and some serious soul-searching for two teams who look destined to battle for the wooden spoon in this competition.  And now, having taken an extra day to watch the games for a third time, I present my Team of the Week for round 2 of Super Rugby Aotearoa: 

  1. Reuben O’Neill (Chiefs) was easily the best of an otherwise pretty underwhelming bunch of loosehead props 
  1. Codie Taylor (Crusaders) has started the season on an absolute tear; world class in every area of the game   
  1. Tyrel Lomax (Hurricanes) gets the nod due to a slightly better work rate but, like the looseheads, not a lot to write home about from the other side of the scrum either  
  1. Sam Whitelock (Crusaders) has just set about methodically cyborging his way through another season at an outstandingly high level  
  1. For the second week in succession Josh Dickson (Highlanders) was a stand out in the hard-working Highlanders pack and is super reliable as the main lineout target.   
  1. Shannon Frizell (Highlanders) took a bit step up in work rate from the opening week and it showed, whether attacking or defending; showed some toe to loom up in support (and benefit) from one of many brilliant Jona Nareki moments. 
  1. Hardest choice of the week by far.  Du’Plessis Kirifi (Hurricanes) just worked his tail off from start to finish but so did Tom Christie (Crusaders).  Christie isn’t required to ball carry given the plethora of willing runners around him; hence it does look like he’s just a tackling machine, but there is a lot more to his game than that.  I think it’s a coin flip between the two of them to be honest  
  1. This is going to upset “Ardies Army” but its Cullen Grace (Crusaders) for me.  It was a Kieran Read like effort; lots of ball carrying (15 runs in total) all of them taking a bit of stopping, made his tackles, snaffled a turnover and stole a lineout … generally all of the pitch and into it  
  1. Folau Fakatava (Highlanders) delivered the type of performance he needs to produce at Super Rugby level consistently.  Defensively he was outstanding, both in cover D and organizationally, while picked his moments nicely on attack.  Boxing kicking still a work in progress but the option of what kick to make at what time was much better   
  1. Richie Mo’unga (Crusaders) gets the nod from Josh Ioane (Highlanders) but not a whole lot in it and I could easily be persuaded to change my mind … though I wont  
  1. Jona Nareki (Highlanders) … well who else was it going to be?! Just peerless in Hamilton as the stats reflect – 9 carries for 192 metres gained, 9 defenders beaten, 5 line breaks (that seemed low to me but hey I aint a stats boffin) 3 tries and a try assist … good things happen people when you run with pace and intent. 
  1. A much bigger involvement on Sunday afternoon for Ngani Laumape (Hurricanes) and whilst he was kept in check for the most part in midfield, he did have a couple of nice plays in the wide channels.  He was very solid defensively too  
  1. Jack Goodhue (Crusaders) was solid enough to get the nod but the other centres had very little impact in the respective games 
  1. Sevu Reece (Crusaders) followed up his excellent outing in Dunedin with another good display in Christchurch.  His run down of Jackson Garden-Bachop in combo with fellow wing Leicester Fainga’anuku was impressive; just one of several things Reece is doing with a lot more intent and accuracy in the opening fortnight compared to the same time last year. 
  1. Mitch Hunt (Highlanders) works so well in tandem with Josh Ioane, something that coach Tony Brown acknowledged post-match (“I think they need each other” he said with a big grin on his face) Hunt has blossomed into a key component of this Highlanders side. 

TEAM OF THE WEEK – ROUND 1

The two teams that a lot of folk are picking to meet in the competition decider on the 8th of May got their respective campaigns underway with victories.  The first forty minutes of rugby in Dunedin was IMO the best of the weekend, though there were more delightful moments in Wellington than in Dunedin.  Tis against that backdrop that I present my Team of the Week selections for the opening round of Super Rugby Aotearoa 2021: 

1) How Joe Moody (Crusaders) avoided a yellow card for his repeated slaps to the melon of Jack Regan, I don’t know.  However, his work after that opening minute brainfart was more in line with what you’d expect from an All Blacks incumbent; dominant at scrum time, strong lifting in the lineout, excellent clean out work and generally industrious around the field 

2) Gees this is a tough one straight out the gate.  Codie Taylor (Crusaders) was quite superb on Friday night as was Asafo Aumua (Hurricanes) 24 hours later.  I lean towards Taylor as he was able to secure a couple of well-timed turnovers but it wouldn’t take much to swing me around to Aumua  

3) Even playing a shorter stint off the bench Ofa Tuungafasi (Blues) was the most impressive of the tightheads on display this week. Busy with ball in hand, great defensively and strong in his core set piece roles  

4) Patrick Tuipulotu (Blues) continues to grow as a player and leader at this level; just so busy and physically punishing with it  

5) Sam Whitelock (Crusaders) came out and does what Sam Whitelock does. That being deliver a high quality, accurate, industrious and purposeful performance. 

6) Akira Ioane (Blues) was colossal in Wellington, whether carrying the ball or stopping the ball carrier.  The All Blacks number six jersey is very much up for grabs and Akira laid down a big marker that the other contenders have to match. Heck of a shift by Ethan Blackadder (Crusaders) the night before; the young man has some motor on him  

7) Ardie Savea (Hurricanes) produced an effort befitting of his 100th game and his new role as captain the side; still has the best over-exaggerated dummy in the history of rugby union … I want that to be a statue outside Sky Stadium by the end of the season please. 

8) I wasn’t overly impressed by the standard of number eight play during the opening weekend with Marino Mikaele-Tu’u (Highlanders) the pick of the bunch 

9) Aaron Smith (Highlanders) was as you’d expect Aaron Smith to be – great.  

10) Otere Black (Blues) steered his side around the field with such calmness and clarity 

11) Man, this spot is TOUGH! Jona Nareki (Highlanders) was great, Leicester Fainga’anuku (Crusaders) was great but needed to be used more and Caleb Clarke (Blues) threatened every time he got the ball.  I’m going Nareki on the basis that he was slightly better defensively  

12) Dallas McLeod (Crusaders) was throwing his body around in Dunners.  He ran some very hard lines and found some very hard shoulders waiting for him but he just got up and went again.  Solid defensively for the most part in tandem with Jack Goodhue 

13) Rieko Ioane (Blues) had the most attacking opportunities of the centre on display this weekend and he made them count however it was his defence that stood out even more for me.  The impetuousness to rush up has been curbed (for the most part) and he’s reading-and-reacting really well  

14) Sevu Reece (Crusaders) provided more moments of influence in his game which sees him edge out a very impressive Connor Garden-Bachop (Highlanders)  

15) Stephen Perofeta (Blues) was efficient and made the most of his chances to get involved, way more so than the other fullbacks in round one  

CRUSADERS SEASON PREVIEW

To quote the legendary Ric Flair “to be the man, woooooooo, you gotta beat the man!” 

And when it comes to Super Rugby, the Crusaders are THE MAN!!! 

So until someone other than the Crusaders lifts the trophy at the end of the season, I ain’t backing anyone else other than the Crusaders to lift the trophy at the end of the season. 

They have a championship mentality that we haven’t seen from any of the other four teams nearly enough in recent times.  

Yeah we’ve enjoyed brief glimpses over short periods of time varying from 80 minutes to four weeks, but never as consistently as the Crusaders deliver. 

They tick every single box and even though they are not as deep as in previous season, they still have more than comparable depth to their likely challengers; those being (in my opinion) the Blues and Highlanders. 

The big concern is the substantial drop-off from Richie Mo’unga to the other first five options in the squad. 

Watching the way Mo’unga control the pace and direction of the Crusaders attack during thier Game of Three Halves encounter with the Chiefs last weekend reiterated his utter class at this level as well as his crucialness to this franchise. 

Any injury to him brings the Crusaders back to the pack at a significant rate of knots. 

But even if that were to happen, this group of coaches and players will just figure out a way to get the job done. 

That’s just what they do; sum of the parts being greater than any individual piece. 

It’s hard to comprehend a coach being the most motivated person to prove their value in Super Rugby Aotearoa, especially when that coach has won the previous four Super Rugby titles, but that’s what I think you’re going to get from Scott Robertson this season as he edges closer and closer to what will be a pivotal career decision for himself and by extension New Zealand Rugby. 

And if Razor is dialled in, everyone else at that franchise, from CEO Colin Mainsbridge to the ball kids, will be dialled in with him. 

This team will take some stopping and while they will have the odd hiccup, they will clear their throat before roaring to yet another title. 

PREDICTION – 1st IN THE REGULAR SEASON; 2021 CHAMPIONS  

I wrote earlier in the week that the Highlanders will roll the Crusaders tonight so I have to stick to that (though with both teams now revealed and the absence of my preferred Ioane 10/Hunt 15 combo for the Landers, I wish I hadn’t) They beat the Canes and Chiefs before losing an epic encounter at Eden Park to the Blues.  That loss only serves to light a monumental fire underneath the defending champs, who return from the bye and just eviscerate everything in their path in the second half of the season, leading to a home final, a fifth straight title and the return of Scott Robertson’s celebratory breakdancing … just don’t drop the trophy this time, OK lads 

2021 SEASON RECORD 

Won 6 Lost 1 Competition Points 30 (2020 Super Rugby Aotearoa Champions)  

Scored 219 pts (27 tries)  

Conceded 148 pts (13 tries)  

NB Last game against the Blues was cancelled due to COVID-19 

COACHES 

Coach: Scott Robertson 

Assistants: Jason Ryan, Tamati Ellison, Scott Hansen, Andrew Goodman 

2021 SQUAD 

Props: Michael Alaalatoa, George Bower, Oli Jager, Joe Moody, Fletcher Newell, Isi Tuungafasi, Tamaiti Williams,  

Hookers: Codie Taylor, Brodie McAlister, Nathan Vella 

Locks: Scott Barrett (captain) Mitchell Dunshea, Luke Romano, Quentin Strange, Sam Whitelock 

Loosies: Ethan Blackadder, Tom Christie, Whetukamokamo Douglas, Cullen Grace, Sione Havili Talitui, Tom Sanders 

Halfbacks: Mitchell Drummond, Ereatara Enari, Bryn Hall 

First fives: Richie Mo’unga, Brent Cameron, Fergus Burke 

Midfield: Bryadon Ennor, Jack Goodhue, Dallas McLeod,  

Back Three: George Bridge, Leicester Fainga’anuku, Chay Fihaki, David Havili, Will Jordan, Manasa Mataele, Isaiah Punivai, Sevu Reece 

SCHEDULE  

Rd 1 vs. Highlanders @ Dunedin (Friday 26 February aka Today)  

Rd 2 vs. Hurricanes @ Christchurch (Saturday 6 March) 

Rd 3 vs. Chiefs @ Christchurch (Saturday 13 March) 

Rd 4 vs. Blues @ Auckland (Sunday 21 March) 

Rd 5 – BYE 

Rd 6 vs. Highlanders @ Christchurch (Friday 2 April) 

Rd 7 vs. Hurricanes @ Wellington  (Sunday 11 April)

Rd 8 vs Chiefs @ Hamilton (Saturday 17 April)

Rd 9 vs Blues @ Christchurch (Sunday 25 April)

Rd 10 – BYE  

BLUES SEASON PREVIEW

It’s all there Blues fans. 

Everything you physically need to win the title is in place. 

An outstanding squad with depth that has been bolstered by quality off season recruiting, highlighted by the acquisition of All Blacks tighthead prop Nepo Laulala and winning the race to sign the highly sort after outside back Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens. 

You have a leader who continues to grow more comfortable and more confident with every passing day that he has the role. 

Speaking with Patrick Tuipulotu after the Game of Three Halves in Cambridge last Saturday afternoon was an utter delight. 

He was relaxed, engaging, spoke well, great posture and eye contact (trust me, that’s really important) and was happy to answer a couple of curly(ish) questions which a few years ago he would have danced around or bumbled over. 

So, what, if any, are the questions around the Blues of 2021? 

I have two. 

First, are they mentally prepared to deal with the weight of expectation as the season progresses? 

Starting as title contenders is one thing, but as the season moves through and they find themselves at the top of the table coming out of their second bye for back-to-back games in the South Island, can the Blues deal with what will be overamplified expectations and hyperbole that their position on the table will undoubtedly bring. 

Second, how good a selector is coach Leon MacDonald? 

Having all these options is one thing but using them effectively and efficiently is another thing all together. 

I hope the Blues look to use the ball a wee bit more this year, given the attacking talent in the group, rather than rely on a kick heavy game plan and that their lineout can adapt and adjust, as it will be an area where some teams think they can pressure the Blues. 

There are no absolutes in sports, we all know this. 

But this Blues group will win a title in the next three years, I’m just not fully convinced that this year is their year, but gees they are going to go very, very close. 

PREDICTION – 2nd IN THE REGULAR SEASON, BEATEN FINALISTS  

The Blues win home and away against the Chiefs and Hurricanes as well as beating the Crusaders and Highlanders at the Garden of Eden, however they crumbled in both away fixtures against the Southern franchises (NB no losing BPs in each contest) especially in what turns out to be a game to decide who hosts the final of Super Rugby Aotearoa against the Crusaders in the penultimate week on the regular season.  They return to Christchurch for the inaugural final a fortnight later, producing a far better showing but still coming up 14 points shy of Razor’s men. 

2020 SEASON RECORD 

Won 5 Lost 2 Competition Pts 24 (2nd overall) 

Scored 176 pts (23 tries) 

Conceded 149 pts (16 tries)  

NB Last game against the Crusaders was cancelled due to COVID 19  

COACHES 

Coach: Leon MacDonald 

Assistants: Tom Coventry, Fa’alogo Tana Umaga, Daniel Halangahu, Ben Afeaki 

2021 SQUAD 

Hookers: Ray Niuia, Soane Vikena, Kurt Eklund 

Props: Alex Hodgman, Nepo Laulala, James Lay, Marcel Renata, Karl Tu’inukuafe, Ofa Tuungafasi  

Locks: Gerard Cowley-Tuioti, Sam Darry, Josh Goodhue, Jacob Pierce, Patrick Tuipulotu (captain) 

Loose forwards: Blake Gibson, Dillon Hunt, Akira Ioane, Dalton Papalii, Taine Plumtree, Tom Robinson, Hoskins Sotutu 

Halfbacks: Finlay Christie, Sam Nock, Jonathan Ruru 

Inside backs: Otere Black, Stephen Perofeta, Harry Plummer 

Midfield: TJ Faiane, Rieko Ioane, Tanielu Tele’a, Bryce Heem 

Outside backs: Caleb Clarke, AJ Lam, Jone Macilai-Tori, Emoni Narawa, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, Zarn Sullivan, Mark Telea 

SCHEDULE 

Rd 1 vs Hurricanes @ Wellington (Saturday 27 February) 

Rd 2 – BYE  

Rd 3 vs Highlanders @ Auckland (Sunday 14 March) 

Rd 4 vs. Crusaders @ Auckland (Sunday 21 March) 

Rd 5 vs. Chiefs @ Hamilton (Saturday 27 March) 

Rd 6 vs. Hurricanes @ Auckland (Saturday 3 April)  

Rd 7 – BYE 

Rd 8 vs Highlanders @ Dunedin (Friday 16 April)  

Rd 9 vs. Crusaders @ Christchurch (Sunday 25 April) 

Rd 10 vs. Chiefs @ Auckland (Saturday 1 May) 

HURRICANES SEASON PREVIEW

When faced with the dilemma of fronting up and saying “I genuinely don’t know”, most folk who write these kind of pieces, talented knowledgeable wordsmiths, will craft their way around having to type those words, using their gifted powers with prose to poetically distract their readers. 

Well, I aint one of the them. 

I genuinely don’t know how to rate the Hurricanes chances. 

See … just way easier to say it. 

A large proportion of this squad was involved in defeating the Crusaders in Christchurch; a victory that ended a 36-game unbeaten run at home against Super Rugby opposition by the benchmark franchise. 

That very same Canes squad, presented with the chance to leapfrog the Blues to finish second in the 2020 competition, shot themselves in the foot repeatedly in losing to the Highlanders in the final round. 

That contrast is what’s so baffling as you try to gauge the 2021 Canes chances. 

There are a few things that we do know for certain. 

The loss of TJ Perenara is significant.

He is such a massive personality on and off the field for the Canes which at times overshadowed what an excellent job he did as an actual rugby player for his franchise. 

However, the loss of Perenara’s leadership is offset nicely by Ardie Savea’s elevation to captain. 

Savea is ready for this on field challenge. 

We’ve seen him show leadership off the park when speaking out in support of Pacific Island rugby, eligibility rules, several social issues as well as his work with youth in the community.

He gets to lead a very talented group too. 

The forwards are excellent; the midfield and outside backs are exciting but you look at possible nine /ten combos and you take a deep sharp breath.  

There’s no Perenara, Jamie Booth recovering with a broken leg and the jury still deliberating on Jackson Garden-Bachop at this level.  

The latter makes you wonder if we’ll Jordie Barrett wearing the ten jersey at some point this season. 

As you can see, the Hurricanes pose more questions to me than they provide answers. 

However, one thing we can be certain of it is that they will play full noise from first whistle to last. 

What happens in between? 

Well, that’s anyone guess.  

PREDICTION – 5th … or 2nd … who the heck knows?! 

The Hurricanes lose to the Blues and Crusaders home and away, win their home games Chiefs and Highlanders, end up with the wooden spoon due to having a couple of bonus points less than the Chiefs and score three of the most outrageous length of the field tries you’ll ever see that all end up in the voting for Try of the Year honours at the New Zealand Rugby Awards come December. 

2020 SEASON RECORD 

Won 5 Lost 3 Competition Points 21 (3rd overall)  

Scored 202 pts (25 tries) 

Conceded 213 pts (26 tries)  

COACHES 

Coach: Jason Holland 

Assistants: Chris Gibbes, Dan Cron, Cory Jane, Tyler Bleyendaal 

2021 SQUAD 

Props: Fraser Armstrong, Alex Fidow, Tyrel Lomax, Tevita Mafileo, Xavier Numea, Pouri Rakete-Stones 

Hookers: Asafo Aumua, Dane Coles, Ricky Riccitelli 

Locks: James Blackwell, Kane Leaupepe, Liam Mitchell, Scott Scrafton, Isaia Walker-Leaware 

Loosies: Gareth Evans, Vaea Fifita, Devan Flanders, Brayden Iose, Du Plessis Kirifi, Reed Prinsep, Ardie Savea (captain)  

Halfbacks: Jamie Booth, Luke Campbell, Jonathan Taumateine 

First fives: Jackson Gardon-Bachop, Simon Hickey 

Midfield: Vince Aso, Ngani Laumape, Billy Proctor, Peter Umaga-Jensen, Danny Toala 

Back Three: Jordie Barrett, Wes Goosen, Ruben Love, Pepesana Patafilo, Salesi Rayasi, Julian Savea, Lolagi Visinia  

SCHEDULE 

Rd 1 vs Blues @ Wellington (Saturday 27 February) 

Rd 2 vs Crusaders @ Christchurch (Saturday 6 March) 

Rd 3 – BYE  

Rd 4 vs Chiefs @ Wellington (Saturday 20 March) 

Rd 5 vs. Highlanders @ Dunedin (Friday 26 March) 

Rd 6 vs Blues @ Auckland (Saturday 3 April) 

Rd 7 vs Crusaders @ Wellington (Sunday 11 April) 

Rd 8 – BYE 

Rd 9 vs. Chiefs @ Hamilton (Friday 23 April) 

Rd 10 vs Highlanders @ Wellington (Friday 30 April)  

HIGHLANDERS SEASON PREVIEW

If the Highlanders are to contend, and they most certainly can contend if consistently at their best, two selections are a must. 

Josh Ioane has to start at first five and Mitch Hunt has to start at fullback. 

All eight games, no exceptions. 

When former coach Aaron Mauger finally went with a returning-from-injury Ioane at ten and Hunt at fifteen in the latter stages of last season, the Highlanders backline/attack in general was so much more potent. 

Ioane is the best passing first five in the country and it’s not even a contest.  

The speed, width and accuracy of passing that he, in tandem with Aaron Smith, provides the Highlanders is a game changer especially with the dazzling array of outside talent the side has this season. 

Hunt enjoyed a breakout season in 2020 whether at ten or fifteen, but seemed to really flourish at the back when Ioane returned late in the piece. 

That was the missing piece of the puzzle. 

All the other elements are there. 

The squad of forwards the southernmost franchise has at their disposal is sneakily outstanding.  

They have underappreciated props who are strong, skill, busy and technically proficient, a trio of young, industrious, raw-boned locks complimented by a savvy veteran in Bryn Evans and loose forward options that are just downright scary when you factor in the return of Liam Squire and the acquisition of Kazuki Himeno. 

As for the backs, well they just look like a bucket load of fun especially their skills can marry up to the attacking creativity of coach Tony Brown. 

The defence needs to be better but that a given when you concede the most points and tries in the previous competition. 

Whilst I suspect that they are a year away from causing genuine chaos and mayhem, the Highlanders are going to be a must watch this season. 

PREDICTION – 3rd 

After stunning the Crusaders in week one, they drop their next two before righting the ship after the bye.  They go win-loss-win-loss on the second run through; the last round loss to the Hurricanes an especially bitter pill to swallow.  All their losses will see them earn bonus points and the Highlanders finish the season as a team that everyone is very mindful of heading into the trans-Tasman portion of the season and dead-set fearful ahead of the 2022 season especially after Damian McKenzie returns home to play for Southland, inking a two-year deal with the Highlanders at the same time. 

NB – Like all the prediction sections in these previews, the DMac scenario is pure fantasy on my part; I’d just like to see Big Jim play one game for the Stags and I’d like that sooner rather than later  

2020 SEASON RECORD 

Won 3 Lost 5 Competition Points 14 (4th overall)  

Scored: 197 pts (24 tries) 

Conceded: 227 pts (30 tries)  

COACHES

Coach: Tony Brown 

Assistants: Clarke Dermody, Riki Flutey, Shane Christie  

2021 SQUAD

Props: Daniel Lienert-Brown, Jeff Thwaites, Ayden Johnstone, Ethan De Groot, Jermaine Ainsley, Siate Tokolahi, Josh Hohneck,  

Hookers: Liam Coltman, Ash Dixon, Ricky Jackson 

Locks: Paripari Parkinson, Josh Dickson, Manaaki Selby-Rickit , Bryn Evans 

Loose Forwards: Shannon Frizell, Sione Misiloi, James Lentjes, Billy Harmon, Kazuki Himeno, Marino Mikaele-Tu’u, Teariki Ben- Nicholas, Liam Squire 

Half- Backs: Aaron Smith, Kayne Hammington, Folau Fakatava 

First-Five: Josh Ioane, Mitchell Hunt 

Midfield: Thomas Umaga-Jensen, Patelesio Tomkinson, Michael Collins, Fetuli Paea, Scott Gregory 

Outside Backs: Jona Nareki, Nehe Milner-Skudder, Vilimoni Koroi, Solomon Alaimalo, Sam Gilbert, Connor Garden-Bachop, Ngatungane Punivai 

SCHEDULE 

Rd 1 vs. Crusaders @ Dunedin (Friday 26 February) 

Rd 2 vs Chiefs @ Hamilton (Friday 5 March) 

Rd 3 vs Blues @ Auckland (Sunday 14 March) 

Rd 4 – BYE 

Rd 5 vs. Hurricanes @ Dunedin (Friday 26 March)  

Rd 6 vs Crusaders @ Christchurch (Friday 2 April) 

Rd 7 vs Chiefs @ Dunedin (Saturday 10 April) 

Rd 8 vs Blues @ Dunedin (Friday 16 April) 

Rd 9 – BYE 

Rd 10 vs Hurricanes @ Wellington (Friday 30 April) 

CHIEFS SEASON PREVIEW

Legendary Oakland Raiders owner, the late Al Davis, had one of the most famous catchphrases in all of sport … “Just Win Baby”! 

And that applies to the Chiefs, though not delivered with the same level of effervescence that Al did back in the heyday of the black and silver. 

The Chiefs have got to win and by any means necessary. 

If they start the season winning a game 24-21 by kicking six penalties and two drop goals, they shouldn’t give a fat rats if the opposition scored three converted tries …. just win!  

That’s the biggest challenge for interim head coach Clayton McMillan; getting this group believing and trusting that what they are doing on the training field and preseason trial games will get the job done when it really matters. 

We can all see the talent that’s in this group, both established and emerging, and McMillan has a solid coaching group as well as the services of an excellent mental skills coach in Aaron Walsh. 

They are light on experience up front, particularly in the second row, and have a big selection decision as to who starts at first five in their first game (IMO it should be Bryn Gatland with Kaleb Trask on the bench should the latter recover from a niggly knee injury) but the remainder are proven performers at this level and that compliments the internationals in the squad. 

The most crucial area for the Chiefs in 2021 is the absolute need to be way more efficient with the ball they get.   

Last year they had the most territory and position of any team in Super Rugby Aotearoa and turn that into a competition low 155 points and 14 tries.  

Watching at their attacking structure in Cambridge during their Game of Three Halves encounters with the Crusaders and Blues (albeit in a very small sample size) would indicate some changes for the good have been made however as the great Allen Iverson would point out “we talkin’ bout practice”. 

They are far too many good players, good coaches and proud human beings in general at the Chiefs to see them going winless for a second straight season. 

However, they have to get the gorilla off their back as soon as possible. 

A victory is the only way to stop an ongoing (and thoroughly justified) narrative around them not having won a game against a fellow kiwi franchise since February last year. 

In short … “Just Win Baby”! 

Prediction – 4th 

While they will be spirited against the Crusaders and Blues, they’ll lose to both teams home and away, split games with the Highlanders and Hurricanes and nab a bonus point or two more than the bottom placed team.  They will show steady improvement throughout the season, especially defensively but the most positive sign while be better efficiency on attack with much less ball than they had during the 2020 season. 

2020 Season Record 

Won 0 Lost 8 Competition Points 5 (5th overall … stone cold motherless last)  

Scored 155 pts (14 tries)  

Conceded 212 pts (28 tries)  

Coaches 

Coach: Clayton McMillan 

Assistants: Roger Randle, Neil Barnes, David Hill, Nick White  

2021 Squad 

Hookers: Nathan Harris, Bradley Slater, Samisoni Taukei’aho  

Props: Sione Mafileo, Atu Moli, Ollie Norris, Reuben O’Neill, Aidan Ross Angus Ta’avao  

Locks: Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Josh Lord, Laghlan McWhannell, Tupou Vaa’i  

Loose Forwards: Kaylum Boshier Lachlan Boshier, Mitchell Brown, Sam Cane, Pita Gus Sowakula Luke Jacobson, Mitchell Karpik, Simon Parker   

Halfbacks: Xavier Roe, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Brad Weber  
First five-eighths: Bryn Gatland, Rivez Reihana, Kaleb Trask   

Midfielders: Anton Lienert-Brown, Alex Nankivell, Bailyn Sullivan, Quinn Tupaea, Rameka Poihipi 

Outside backs: Jonah Lowe, Damian McKenzie, Etene Nanai-Seturo, Shaun Stevenson, Chase Tiatia, Sean Wainui 

Schedule 

Rd 1 – BYE 

Rd 2 vs Highlanders @ Hamilton (Friday 5 March) 

Rd 3 vs Crusaders @ Christchurch (Saturday 13 March) 

Rd 4 vs Hurricanes @ Wellington (Saturday 20 March) 

Rd 5 vs Blues @ Hamilton (Saturday 27 March)  

Rd 6 – BYE 

Rd 7 vs. Highlanders @ Dunedin (Saturday 10 April)  

Rd 8 vs Crusaders @ Hamilton (Saturday 17 April)  

Rd 9 vs Hurricanes @ Hamilton (Friday 23 April) 

Rd 10 vs Blues @ Auckland (Saturday 1 May)