Chiefs 2020
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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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Shows how quickly team fortunes change. One moment players are beating down your door, next they are running away to the next 'best' option.
Blues are flavour of the moment after years of being the leper colony.
I understand that titles on CVs drive player values in overseas contracts and we aren't going to change that ( Ta$man are recipients of that process at the moment too), but I do wonder if that is beneficial to NZ rugby?
Are we better having 5 competitive teams or a tiered set with a whipping boy at the bottom?
I'm not sure of the answer but at the moment one good season often results in player movement for the next two years and a shift of power.
BTW this isn't a grizzle because the Chiefs look on the slide. This has been coming for a time now and I was saying it was the case with the Blues when they were in the doldrums too.
The other aspect is that it can be a coach wrecker. You get a bunch of coaches associated with losing teams that then don't progress.
It isn't just player movement that causes the issues, it is stability, copping poor decisions on field, the management etc etc.
The life of a professional sports team I guess, but is it a good model? -
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@ARHS should go jeff thwaites and jordan lay
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@Cpt-Kumera Thwaites will be back at the Highlanders won't he?
As @ARHS says, there is enough propping talent within the Chiefs region to sign locally.
Ross is only the current prop that is listed as having a contract beyond this season (to 2021). Ta'avao's and Moli's contract ends this year. Maybe the same for O'Neill.
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@Bovidae said in Chiefs 2020:
@Cpt-Kumera Thwaites will be back at the Highlanders won't he?
As @ARHS says, there is enough propping talent within the Chiefs region to sign locally.
Ross is only the current prop that is listed as having a contract beyond this season (to 2021). Ta'avao's and Moli's contract ends this year. Maybe the same for O'Neill.
Highlanders have signed Jermaine Ainsley a TH prop from the Rebels
They will not be resigning one of their props from 2020.
