Chiefs 2023

[kiwi_expat]

@Steven-Harris said in Chiefs 2023:

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

Same, also Blues have no Schmidt for 2023 which is another reason I'm picking Chiefs to win.

[Bovidae]

@ARHS said in Chiefs 2023:

I thought it odd that they signed Punivai from outside area and let Sinkinson go to Canes. Am concerned they are short a 7 and let Mitch J and Florence go. Jacob Norris was average for BOP. Maybe Adam Brash as cover? Lasaqa?

Yes, very limited options now.

Happy elsewhere. And pleased they signed Malimali over Nanai as he has potential

I would think that Punivai was the last player selected. Nanai would have been a big risk with the injuries.

[cgrant]

Punivai is an odd selection as Sinkinson was on hand. But I am not sold on both of them, as I was among those who think that Leroy Carter would have been the best choice.

[Crucial]

@cgrant said in Chiefs 2023:

Punivai is an odd selection as Sinkinson was on hand. But I am not sold on both of them, as I was among those who think that Leroy Carter would have been the best choice.

Carter and DMac together?
Would be like a play date for ADHD kids.

[Bovidae]

@cgrant said in Chiefs 2023:

Punivai is an odd selection as Sinkinson was on hand. But I am not sold on both of them, as I was among those who think that Leroy Carter would have been the best choice.

Punivai gives them some size out wide, which I assume was one of the attractions (1.90 m, 102 kg). The same reason there appeared to be some interest in Nanai.

[Mackerzzzz]

So best 23:?

1. O Norris
2. S Taukei'aho
3. A Taavao
4. J Lord
5. B Retallick
6. T Vaii
7. S Cane
8. L Jacobson
9. B Webber
10. B Gatland
11. E Nanai-Seturo
12. A Nankivell
13. A Lenert-Brown
14. S Stevenson
15. D Mckenzie

16. B Slater
17. A Ross
18. A Moli
19. N Ah Kuoi
20. PG Sowakula
21. C Ratima/ X Roe
22. R Poihipi
23. E Narawa

[Chris]

@Bovidae said in Chiefs 2023:

@cgrant said in Chiefs 2023:

Punivai is an odd selection as Sinkinson was on hand. But I am not sold on both of them, as I was among those who think that Leroy Carter would have been the best choice.

Punivai gives them some size out wide, which I assume was one of the attractions (1.90 m, 102 kg). The same reason there appeared to be some interest in Nanai.

Punivai lacks real pace to be a top wing could be a decent centre though.

[Bovidae]

This is the team I expect:

1 Ross
2 Taukei'aho
3 Ta'avao
4 Retallick
5 Vaa’i
6 Ah Kuoi
7 Cane
8 Jacobson
9 Weber
10 Gatland (McKenzie)
11 Nanai-Seturo/Malimali
12 Nankivell/Poihipi
13 Lienert-Brown
14 Stevenson (Narawa)
15 McKenzie (Stevenson)

16 Thompson
17 Norris
18 Moli/Dyer
19 Selby-Rickit
20 Sowakula
21 Roe
22 Poihipi/Nankivell
23 Narawa (Gatland/Ioane)

[Crazy Horse]

Poihipi is an interesting one. I thought he showed some glimpses of usefulness last Super season, and sparodically for Canterbury this year, but he was part of a pretty poor Canterbury midfield. Time will tell if it was players around him or if he was part of the problem.

[Bovidae]

McMillan explains some of the Chiefs selections, some of which we've discussed on here (e.g., the locks).

[Mackerzzzz]

@Bovidae said in Chiefs 2023:

This is the team I expect:

1 Ross
2 Taukei'aho
3 Ta'avao
4 Retallick
5 Vaa’i
6 Ah Kuoi
7 Cane
8 Jacobson
9 Weber
10 Gatland (McKenzie)
11 Nanai-Seturo/Malimali
12 Nankivell/Poihipi
13 Lienert-Brown
14 Stevenson (Narawa)
15 McKenzie (Stevenson)

16 Thompson
17 Norris
18 Moli/Dyer
19 Sowakula
20 Roe
21 Poihipi/Nankivell
23 Narawa (Gatland/Ioane)

Your missing one?

[Bovidae]

@Mackerzzzz Duh! I will edit.

[Stargazer]

quinntupaea 6 weeks post op and finally out of my brace and back walking. Unreal feeling

[Stargazer]

WTG spot, or is Hamilton home to him?

[Stargazer]

Nankivel on crutches. Hopefully it's not too bad.

[Bones]

@Stargazer it'd be great to see him back - he was the pre-Stevenson Stevenson!

[Bovidae]

Maybe a WTG spot. Staying in NZ must give you a better chance.

Alaimalo will be 27 later in the year so still has plenty of years ahead of him.

[cgrant]

@Stargazer said in Chiefs 2023:

Nankivel on crutches. Hopefully it's not too bad.

Gallagher is a huge man !

[Stargazer]

@cgrant Yep. And at only 21, you'd expect him to still gain some mass.

[Yeetyaah]

Chiefs responded to my Instagram question. Replacement players named on Monday.