Chiefs 2018

[Bovidae]

@taniwharugby

There will be some versatility in the Chiefs back three. Alaimalo and Stevenson could be interchangeable at fullback/wing and throw in one of Pulu and McNicol, the latter having played fullback too.

[Crucial]

Pulu is a fullback as well. Played a whole season for CM in the 15 jersey. Is also a very good goal kicker.

[taniwharugby]

@crucial Alaimalos kicking game is something that was massively underused by us, more so when both our 10s don't have a long enough kicking game, and he showed he has a good long kicking game when needed.

[Wurzel]

Absolutely nothing wrong with a Chiefs back three of Stevenson, Alaimalo and McNicol.

Gawd, I hate the Chiefs.

[Bovidae]

@crucial

I thought Pulu had played fullback too but I wasn't 100% sure.

[Stargazer]

All game venues for the Chiefs' 2018 SR season have now been confirmed (from Chiefs' FB):

[KiwiPie]

7 in the Tron, 1 in Rotorua and zero for the Naki and C-M? Seems a bit narrow ....

[Tim]

@kiwipie Probably nowhere in Taranaki they can play at the moment (earthquake concerns).

[Bovidae]

From the article they (the Chiefs) say:

The club had planned to hold the Blues match at Yarrow Stadium in New Plymouth. Unfortunately, following recent developments in regards to the structure of the East Stand at Yarrow Stadium and due to the time constraints to ensure their facilities meet code requirements, it was deemed necessary to relocate this game. The Blues match will now be at FMG Stadium Waikato on Saturday 7 April.

[KiwiPie]

@bovidae said in Chiefs 2018:

From the article they (the Chiefs) say:

The club had planned to hold the Blues match at Yarrow Stadium in New Plymouth. Unfortunately, following recent developments in regards to the structure of the East Stand at Yarrow Stadium and due to the time constraints to ensure their facilities meet code requirements, it was deemed necessary to relocate this game. The Blues match will now be at FMG Stadium Waikato on Saturday 7 April.

Righto, have been out of the country and missed those issues at Yarrow

[Bovidae]

[Bovidae]

The Chiefs Development team to play the Blues has been posted on their website. There will be a few changes after the late inclusions tonight.

[Stargazer]

Kobelco Steelers players in the Dev team? I knew they were with the Chiefs, but isn't this odd?

[Crucial]

@stargazer said in Chiefs 2018:

Kobelco Steelers players in the Dev team? I knew they were with the Chiefs, but isn't this odd?

I think it is part of the ongoing relationship/ support that the teams have. Started with CM years ago and both parties obviously feel there is value in it.
I think you may find young Chiefs guys getting some experience in Japan as well.

[Bovidae]

I think they have been involved in the match day squad in the past, as they train with the main squad. These Dev teams should only be selecting from within the region and the Chiefs have plenty of injuries.

[Bovidae]

Just noticed that Ah Wong is there. He obviously stayed in NZ after playing for C-M. I would have thought he'd be in the Brumbies again.

[mikedogz]

Waikato have a relationship with Japanese Universities as well. Got a bunch coming now. My club Te Rapa will be getting a player or two. We had a couple last year and the winger was only knee high to a grasshopper but the way he played he had huge balls. Smashing bigger guys from the Waikato country clubs. Like a modern day Grant Batty. Only had them a short time which was a shame.

[cgrant]

Matt Vai'i : is he the tall NZ Schools lock who played against Australia last year ?

[Stargazer]

@cgrant said in Chiefs 2018:

Matt Vai'i : is he the tall NZ Schools lock who played against Australia last year ?

The Wesley College lock in NZ Schools was Tupou Vaa’i.

[cgrant]

Thanks !