Chiefs 2023

[Bovidae]

Based on who is definitely contracted, and the media releases in recent weeks, the only surprises could be at prop and the outside backs.

Of the six props in this years squad, only three of them would be certainties to return (Ross, Norris and Ta'avao). The other three (Moli, Mafileo, O'Neill) either have had major surgery or form issues, or both.

My guess for potential replacements are LH (Bartlett, Cobb), and TH (Dyer, Thwaites). Most of the CM props are with MP, and Profitt is nearer 30.

The extra lock probably comes at the expense of another loose forward. Ah Kuoi moves to 6, and Lord won't be available at the start of SR so only four fit locks.

Four 1st 5s won't be needed. DMac replaces Trask, but does Ioane return? It would be better to have another midfielder/outside back in the squad.

There were five midfield backs for 2022, including Wrampling, who can also play on the wing. Inga Finau to replace the injured Tupaea.

Hopefully an extra outside back based on McMillan's comments about squad balance. Lowe and Tiatia need to be replaced. Naholo and Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens have been rumoured to be options. If there is a big surprise it could be someone else moving teams.

[cliff]

Kini naholo is definitely going to the canes which leaves me wondering which wingers we have picked kneepkens could one of them

[Bovidae]

@cliff As the Blues squad is named first we'll know if JRK is still in their squad, or on the move.

[Bovidae]

I was just watching the Aotearoa Rugby Pod and they were talking as if Malimali will be in the Chiefs squad.

[Daffy Jaffy]

This post is deleted!

[Daffy Jaffy]

@Bovidae The big power winger they have been lacking. A back three of McKenzie, Malimali and Stevenson or Stevenson, Malimali and Narawa should be exciting.

[Bovidae]

Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens is still with the Blues.

[Bovidae]

Even if Malimali is a new signing there should still be room for one more new outside back.

[ARHS]

@Bovidae good

[Bovidae]

@ARHS But if Ioane is still in the squad, and DMac is listed as a fullback, maybe not.

[Canes4life]

Chiefs 2023 squad.

[Yeetyaah]

Punivai is a bit if a surprise eh. Not too many changes. I haven't watched enough Counties games to guage whether Malimali is a good signing or not. Dyer is a great signing.

[Bovidae]

Moli can count himself to be very lucky.

IN:
George Dyer
Jared Proffit
Manaaki Selby-Rickit
Damian McKenzie
Peniasi Malimali
Ngantungane Punivai

OUT:
Sione Mafileo
Reuben O’Neill
Mitchell Brown
Jonah Lowe
Chase Tiatia
Kaleb Trask

[Bovidae]

Some comments from McMillan.

https://www.chiefs.co.nz/news-item/gallagher-chiefs-squad-announced-for-2023

[Canes4life]

@Yeetyaah said in Chiefs 2023:

Punivai is a bit if a surprise eh. Not too many changes. I haven't watched enough Counties games to guage whether Malimali is a good signing or not. Dyer is a great signing.

He looks like one of those flying Fijians who can destroy teams with a little bit of space. An exciting signing but whether he gets any game time is another question.

[Crucial]

Malimali is potentially a game breaker

DMac listed as an outside back. Good luck picking a backline there, so many options everywhere.
Who is 15? DMac, Stevenson or ENS?
Almost too much competition.
Same with locks but there’s always injuries there.

[Bovidae]

They will have to name an injury replacement for Tupaea. I hope Wrampling is fit to go. Underwhelmed with Punivai's selection given who else was in the region but signed elsewhere.

[ploughboy]

reasonably happy with squad. would have been happy to have moved ioane and find punivai signing puzzling .

[Crucial]

It is a 'problem' that is nice to have but given the options available through the squad it will take careful planning to establish a 1st 23 and have them firing together at the right point of the season.
This is the bit about Super that the Crusaders do so well. You don't often see their best team roll out until the finals (yet they still place highly) while everyone else tries to get their strongest on all the time. Blues last year got it wrong. Caught up in doing so well on the table and forgot to turn up when it mattered.
If I can be bothered I will look at the draw and see how well paced it is.
BBBR and Cane will be managed and I expect they will dip in and out of the schedule to keep match fit but not overworked. Same to a lesser extent for Sami T. He has a big year as well.

Edit: Here is the draw

[Steven Harris]

Very powerful squad , if they can beat the injury curse they are my pick to win the title ..
Can’t wait to check out the TAB odds , worth a tip