The Chiefs

2006 Preview

Of all the New Zealand teams, the Chiefs are the ones who have not really made it. The North Islanders are almost the step-children of the posher outfits.

They have had moments and they have had intentness. They have just lacked the pressure points that make for greatness. They still do not have them - not the skills enough, the speed enough and the strength enough.

It may just be that the addition of Mils Muliaina and Sam Tuitupou could be two profitable pressure points.

Expect them to be outstanding and very competitive at home in Hamilton. Also expect them to lose focus and composure on the road.

Strengths: They give every impression of playing with strength and intent as epitomised by Jono Gibbes and Byron Kelleher. They have acquired two players who could bring a more creative force to their game - Mils Muliaina, the All Black star, and loose forward Liam Messam, the rising star who will benefit from being with Marty Holah, Steven Bates and Sione Lauaki. They have the steadying force and goalkicking ability of David Hill.

Weakness: Perhaps the lack of a sharp edge of speed of foot and hands, perhaps the lack of the spirit of adventure - just perhaps these are the inhibiting factors that become weaknesses.

Noteworthy signings: Lelia Masaga (New), Liam Messam (New), Malili Muliaina (Blues), Jamie Nutbrown (Crusaders), Kristian Ormsby (Hurricanes), Niva Ta'auso (New), Anthony Tahana (New), Sam Tuitupou (Blues), Nathan White (New)
 
Noteworthy losses: Adrian Cashmore (Ospreys, Wales), Michael Collins (London Irish, England), Keith Lowen (Cheetahs, South Africa), Wayne Ormond (Retired), Keith Robinson (Injured and unlikely to play again), Kevin Senio (Crusaders), Sailosi Tagicakibau (London Irish, England)

Coach: Ian Foster who left playing and pitched straight into high-level coaching. Is he the quietest coach in Super 14?

Captain: Just a glance at Jono Gibbes tells a story of hard concentration and determination. He is one of those players who does not have quite enough of any one attribute but uses all that he has with utter loyalty and effort. Men rally to him.

Player(s) to watch: All Black three-quarter/fullback Mils Muliaina who surprised many by moving from the more sophisticated Blues, combative Byron Kelleher at scrum-half and youthful Liam Messam may just be as interesting a trio as there will be in Super 14.

2005 Position: 6th in Super 12
Best finish: 4th in Super 12 in 2004
Worst finish: 11th in Super 12 in 1996
Home Venue: Waikato Stadium, Hamilton

2006 Prediction: They will at best end in mid-table.

Chiefs squad: Sosene Anesi, Steven Bates, Ben Castle, Loki Crichton, Simms Davison, Stephen Donald, Jono Gibbes, David Hill, Sean Hohneck, Marty Holah, Byron Kelleher, Nili Latu, Sione Lauaki, Aleki Lutui, Deacon Manu, Lelia Masaga, Liam Messam, Malili Muliaina, Jamie Nutbrown, Kristian Ormsby, Mark Ranby, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Niva Ta'auso, Anthony Tahana, Sam Tuitupou, Bernie Upton, Nathan White, Tom Willis.

Schedule:

Saturday 11 February: v Sharks, Durban
Friday 17 February: v Cats, Johannesburg
Friday 24 February: v Western Force, Perth
Friday 3 March: v Reds, Hamilton
Friday 10 March: v Crusaders, Hamilton
Saturday 18 March: Bye
Saturday 25 March: v Brumbies, Canberra
Saturday 1 April: v Highlanders, Hamilton
Saturday 8 April: v Bulls, Hamilton
Saturday 15 April: v Stormers, Mt Maunganui
Friday 21 April: v Cheetahs, Hamilton
Saturday 29 April: v Hurricanes, Wellington
Saturday 6 May: v Waratahs, Hamilton
Saturday 13 May: v Blues, Auckland