Chiefs 2020
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Geez - I didn't realise the storms I would create. Just think that having 4 high calibre locks, and gaps in other areas at Highlanders, that there might be scope for contract releases to improve opportunities for all players and teams. Same goes for other teams in various positions. I really think the depth of our Super squads has plummeted - particularly with locks, and am hoping for a slightly better spread of talent next year.
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@Bovidae said in Chiefs 2020:
@ARHS said in Chiefs 2020:
Agree with Fletcher Smith. But, would have thought Tom Franklin and James Tucker targets at lock.
I would think that the Chiefs are looking for 2 locks so that Brown can go back to being a loose forward instead of an undersized lock.
Your more then welcome to Blackwell he’s a hardworking player, do you want him yet 😂
On a serious note I would rather Allardice signed for the Canes instead of going overseas I understand his reasons.
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@Bovidae said in Chiefs 2020:
@ARHS said in Chiefs 2020:
Agree with Fletcher Smith. But, would have thought Tom Franklin and James Tucker targets at lock.
If Franklin is back in NZ for good he would be a great addition to the Chiefs. Franklin provides lineout height and heaps of experience. McMillan will be in a good position to convince him to sign.
Ah Kuoi, McWhannell and Vaa’i all have plenty of promise but are green at SR level.
I would think that the Chiefs are looking for 2 locks so that Brown can go back to being a loose forward instead of an undersized lock.
Vaa'i looks to have the AB selectors excited. They would love to see him get some good playing time next year.
Chiefs will probably send him to club rugby alongside T3
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@Crucial said in Chiefs 2020:
Vaa'i looks to have the AB selectors excited. They would love to see him get some good playing time next year.
Yes, I found Foster's comments about first impressing them in the NZ U20s interesting. I'll say I talked him up first!
Vaa'i only turned 20 in Jan so will put on some extra kgs too.
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CHIEFS RUGBY CLUB TO HOST UNDER 16 CARNIVAL DAY
The Chiefs Rugby Club in conjunction with the Chiefs Region Provincial Unions are hosting an Under 16 Rugby Carnival at Hautapu Rugby Club in Cambridge on Saturday 17 October. Following the cancellation of the Northern Region Provincial Union Under 16 Tournament, the Chiefs Rugby Club and the Provincial Unions within Chiefs Country developed a meaningful one-day tournament to engage with talented local Under 16 players. The one-day rugby carnival has been constructed to enhance player development and provincial union connection among a talented group of Under 16 rugby players from across the Chiefs’ regions.Counties Manukau, Tainui Waka, Harlequins, Hamilton, Thames Valley and Taranaki will compete in the one-day carnival. Each team will experience a skills session and parents will partake in a half hour information overview of the Chiefs player development pathway.Chiefs Rugby Club Under 16 Carnival Day Draw
(Saturday 17 October, Hautapu Rugby Club, Cambridge)9.00am: Tainui Waka vs. Hamilton
9.30am: Thames Valley vs. Counties Manukau
10.00am: Taranaki vs. Harlequins
10.30am: Thames Valley vs. Hamilton
11.00am: Taranaki vs. Tainui Waka
11.30am: Harlequins vs. Counties Manukau
12.00pm: Thames Valley vs. Taranaki
12.30pm: Counties Manukau vs. Hamilton
1.00pm: Harlequins vs. Tainui Waka
1.30pm: Hamilton vs. Taranaki
2.00pm: Tainui Waka vs. Counties Manukau
2.30pm: Harlequins vs. Thames Valley
3.00pm: Counties Manukau vs. Taranaki
3.30pm: Hamilton vs. Harlequins
4.00pm: Tainui Waka vs. Thames Valley -
Gatland Jr moving to the Chiefs would make sense for everyone. At SR level he's a long way behind Ioane
Meanwhile the Chiefs are a bit light at 10. Gatland seems like a better option to start than Trask (who might be better suited to fullback?)
If this happens it will be his 3rd SR side. 25 years old he's got time to go for the full set
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@Duluth said in Chiefs 2020:
Gatland Jr moving to the Chiefs would make sense for everyone. At SR level he's a long way behind Ioane
Meanwhile the Chiefs are a bit light at 10. Gatland seems like a better option to start than Trask (who might be better suited to fullback?)
If this happens it will be his 3rd SR side. 25 years old he's got time to go for the full set
I would be a bit uncomfortable with Bryn moving to his dad's team. Wouldn't be a great sign to other 10s to create depth.
I though Trask was doing OK and Jason Robertson could be worth a punt to see if he shines in a half decent team -
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@Duluth said in Chiefs 2020:
Falcon and Cruden need to replaced. They can still pick Gatland and a younger player.
That seems like a better mix than two SR rookies and Trask. There's not many off contract experienced tens going around
Yep, I do get that and you are right, they may have few choices in the experienced bucket.
I would still not like the optics and possible dynamics of the coach having to select his son (assuming that a contract lasts more than just next year)
For all we know the Lions tour may be delayed as well which would mean the Wazza is hanging around. -
@Crucial said in Chiefs 2020:
I would be a bit uncomfortable with Bryn moving to his dad's team. Wouldn't be a great sign to other 10s to create depth.
Yeah, the perception of nepotism would be hard to shake.
I though Trask was doing OK and Jason Robertson could be worth a punt to see if he shines in a half decent team
I'd take Fletcher Smith if he was available. I don't think Robertson is anything more than a NPC player. There are young 1st 5s within the Chiefs region for that third position (e.g., Rivez Reihana).
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@Bovidae said in Chiefs 2020:
@Crucial said in Chiefs 2020:
I would be a bit uncomfortable with Bryn moving to his dad's team. Wouldn't be a great sign to other 10s to create depth.
Yeah, the perception of nepotism would be hard to shake.
I though Trask was doing OK and Jason Robertson could be worth a punt to see if he shines in a half decent team
I'd take Fletcher Smith if he was available. I don't think Robertson is anything more than a NPC player. There are young 1st 5s within the Chiefs region for that third position (e.g., Rivez Reihana).
I know I have a little bias regarding Robertson and I will admit that he is hardly setting the world alight.
However, the team around him are struggling and when you see a ten come on and change the tempo and go forward almost instantly it shows that there is something good there that needs a chance to shine. For starters his kicking from hand is up there with the best and that is something that the Chiefs have lacked, especially under Gatland's gameplans which require it to be accurate.
I just have a feeling that he could step up and perform and has learned a few more lessons than the 'next thing' we keep searching for with youngsters than haven't worked out for one reason or another.
As a squad member he could run in practice and it would be pretty obvious if he was suitable. -
@Crucial I've seen a bit of Robertson play over the years as I was at his debut for Waikato in Paeroa. His family was actually standing next to me. He had a couple of games for Waikato that season before moving to BOP, and now he is at CM. You could say he hasn't been good enough to command a starting position so far. He's not a bad player, is is a step up from Kerr, but I doubt he is in the frame for the Chiefs. McMillan is just as likely to select Hollinshead.
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With Laulala's departure north, the Chiefs might be struggling to find some quality TH props for 2021 and beyond. Ta'avao would have to be re-signed now and they have to prioritise getting Moli back, and him staying healthy. I would assume O'Neill would be used more as a TH now as most of the other props are LHs (Ross, Coxon, Norris). Kautai may come back into the frame on current form. Maybe Iosefa-Scott gets a lifeline.
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@Bovidae said in Chiefs 2020:
With Laulala's departure north, the Chiefs might be struggling to find some quality TH props for 2021 and beyond. Ta'avao would have to be re-signed now and they have to prioritise getting Moli back, and him staying healthy. I would assume O'Neill would be used more as a TH now as most of the other props are LHs (Ross, Coxon, Norris). Kautai may come back into the frame on current form. Maybe Iosefa-Scott gets a lifeline.
Has Laulala's move North been confirmed ?
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@Bovidae said in Chiefs 2020:
@Chris Yes, to the Blues.
https://www.chiefs.co.nz/news-item/laulala-to-head-north-in-2021
Ahhh cheers
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