Chiefs 2023
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@Yeetyaah So the Chiefs could potentially lose two 1st 5s after 2023 (assuming Gatland isn't re-signed). At his age Gatland should take the money up north.
I don't see that as a bad thing either, provided they have locked up the young(er) 1st 5s.
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@Stargazer said in Chiefs 2023:
I don't understand why Clayton isn't the head coach in this particular situation?
Most recently Leon has the most stacked roster in NZ each season, with star players in virtually every position & has been the most propped-up Blues coach in memory, with 3rd party deals & unparalleled resources at his disposal, yet he constantly gets found severely lacking as a coach tactically (and mentally) against quality opposition when it really matters.
I'm been a lot more impressed with Clayton's body of work with Bay Of Plenty, NZ Maori & the Chiefs over last 5-6 years compared to what McDonald has achieved (it should be noted, with the help of world-class assistants, such as Coventry, Schmidt etc..)
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I happened to sit in front of the Chiefs coaches at the Waikato-BOP game. A good opportunity to ask some questions.
Trask's move to Japan has been co-ordinated by the Chiefs to give him move time at 1st 5 so he will play for Honda and return to BOP next year and not miss too much SR. They see him as a 10, not a fullback, which is the right decision. That likely also suggests DMac and Gatland are the preferred choices at 1st 5.
I did say it would be good to announce some signings for the outside backs. They have signed some players but are keeping that info quiet at the moment.
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@Bovidae. I am interested to know who. I like Malimali Brash and Moananu from Counties. Inga Finau has been very good for BOP. Lean pickings for unsigned outside backs though. Kini Naholo or Ed Fidow maybe as a power winger? Sinkinson is possible but not an imposing choice.
Mitch J and Florence would be good adds in the loosies and Dyer at prop. Cashmore or Kemara as a 10 maybe. Not many gaps in the Chiefs squad! -
@ARHS I don't think they need any more 1st 5s in the squad, assuming Reihana is back too. Three is enough. Cashmore could be part of the WTG if the Crusaders interest doesn't eventuate. Ioane isn't needed either.
As to the outside backs, I am wondering if they've signed someone from another franchise who is either off-contract or looking for more opportunity to play.
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@Bovidae said in Chiefs 2023:
Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens would be the obvious choice from the Blues, but he has been disappointing for Taranaki this season.
We'll find out in due course.
Yes, I thought JRK has been poor when I have seen him. My earlier post was a response to the question as to whether there is anyone looking for greater chances elsewhere. I do see a logjam at the Blues for starting positions. The key is whether RTS wants to concentrate on being a winger. With Lam, Clarke and Telea he may not get many chances.
There may be some positional decisions with the Chiefs too. I don't rate Ioane as a 10, but maybe he gets time at 12 with Tupaea out. And, after last year, maybe DMac needs to play 15, leaving Gatland to run the cutter.
Kaylum Boshier has been playing 8, and Chiefs are short an open-side in my view. I hope Mitch J finally gets the call up, but Adam Brash and Veveni Lasaqa are also very good, and Patrick McCurran has been a revelation.
