Chiefs 2021

[mofitzy_]

Who is the most likely candidate for the second coming of Maori Jesus? Tupaea, Sullivan or Pohipi?

[gt12]

@mofitzy_ said in Chiefs 2021:

Who is the most likely candidate for the second coming of Maori Jesus? Tupaea, Sullivan or Pohipi?

ALB is already here.

To be a bit more serious, no one around (in this team) comes close in terms of natural versatility and capability to be effective in multiple positions. Given that Maori Jesus was effective at 12, 13, 15, and could cover both wings, we’re miles away from having someone like that.

Its been a while since there has been a player like that around. I guess Havili is the closest at the moment? Or perhaps Goosen, who is a bit down the class scale compared to those two.

Or Jordie perhaps.

[mofitzy_]

ALB is Samoan, isn't he?

Agree on versatility. Havili and Jordie could probably play 10-15, though not world class in most of those positions.

[Yeetyaah]

@mofitzy_ yeah he is, not Māori. Might have been before my time on the fern, who was the OG Māori jesus?

[Crazy Horse]

@Yeetyaah Charlie Ngatai IIRC.

[Bovidae]

@gt12 I don't remember Charlie playing on the wing.

Tiatia would be the utility back in this squad as he can play 11-15. Samoan Jesus.

[Yeetyaah]

@Crazy-Horse ah yeah old Chizz.

[Nepia]

@Bovidae said in Chiefs 2021:

@gt12 I don't remember Charlie playing on the wing.

Tiatia would be the utility back in this squad as he can play 11-15. Samoan Jesus.

Tiatia probably rates as one of the disciples at best.

[gt12]

@Nepia

It says a lot if the best we’ve got for that role is Tiatia.

I’m hoping that we won’t be the worst NZ Super rugby side. I’m not holding out much hope though, the landers seem to have a few more better pieces in key positions.

[Nepia]

@gt12 said in Chiefs 2021:

@Nepia

It says a lot if the best we’ve got for that role is Tiatia.

I’m hoping that we won’t be the worst NZ Super rugby side. I’m not holding out much hope though, the landers seem to have a few more better pieces in key positions.

Should have made the alignment with the Magpies and not the Naki.

[Bovidae]

@gt12 said in Chiefs 2021:

It says a lot if the best we’ve got for that role is Tiatia.

Tiatia has one advantage over Ngatai - he's usually fit to play.

[KiwiMurph]

I'd like to see Tupaea at 12 after how impressive he was at 12 for Maori ABs and at age grade level.

[Stargazer]

I'd like to see Lowe get game time in the 13 jersey, not just the wing.

[gt12]

@Bovidae

Good point.

I guess my underlying point is that when we got Rennie, he brought with him some fantastic pieces.

In McMillan’s case, they to be a bit less than fantastic.

I’m probably being unfair, but I’m pretty down on the Chiefs at the moment.

[Bovidae]

Some big decisions to make about the Chiefs starting backline. I'd say the only certainties are Weber, Trask, ALB, Wainui and DMac.

My guess is something like this:

9 Weber
10 Trask
11 Nanai-Seturo
12 Nankivell
13 ALB
14 Wainui
15 DMac

I think Wainui will be one of the wingers (left or right) but the other could be Stevenson, Nanai-Seturo or Lowe.

[Stargazer]

@Bovidae You think they'll start Trask ahead of Gatland?

[Bovidae]

@Stargazer Yes, they stuck with Trask last year at 1st 5 so I expect he'll get first crack. Gatland would be on the bench.

[Crucial]

@Stargazer said in Chiefs 2021:

@Bovidae You think they'll start Trask ahead of Gatland?

I hope they will but guess they won't. It will be like the Holwell days of the Canes with a Corolla leading the V8s around the track.

Hope also that ENS shows some early goods. It is all there, he just needs to turn the corner.

2019 Nankivell would get the 12 jersey no problems. Not so sure at the moment and I wouldn't be surprised to see an ALB/Wainui partnership making room for Stevenson on the wing.

[gt12]

On form through the Mitre 10 Cup, Tupaea at 12, ALB at 13 looks good to me, with Lowe and Wainui/Stevenson on the wings.

If they dont start Trask/Dmac at 10/15 or 15/10, I’ll be very surprised.

[Bovidae]

@gt12 said in Chiefs 2021:

On form through the Mitre 10 Cup, Tupaea at 12, ALB at 13 looks good to me

I'd be happy with that combo. I went for Nankivell based on who I think McMillan and co will pick, not my preference. But we don't really know who they favour yet.