Chiefs 2021

[ARHS]

@Yeetyaah He graduated into being a dominant force at NPC level this season, and has a great frame to work with. He is good at securing possession and has presence

[Bovidae]

@mofitzy_ said in Chiefs 2021:

Shame we lost Allardice and Retallick won't be back till next year. Look very weak in second row, even if I am a fan of Vaa'i.

Inexperienced is the word I'd use. Vaa'i and Ah Kuoi to start again with Brown off the bench is probably the best option. I hope Lord get his chance too but he will need to add some bulk.

[mofitzy_]

@Bovidae
Fair, Lord is 19, Vaii'i is 20, and Ah Kuoi is 21. Super green.

Still plenty of room to improve for all of them.

[Crucial]

Not sure if I am slow on this news but Lindenmuth and Vialame Taulani have been added into the Chiefs training as cover (Steelers news says 'Chiefs Squad').

[Bovidae]

@Crucial said in Chiefs 2021:

Not sure if I am slow on this news but Lindenmuth and Vialame Taulani have been added into the Chiefs training as cover (Steelers news says 'Chiefs Squad').

That looks like Lindenmuth in the photo with Taulani?

Moli is still not training, and Ross is coming back from an operation so they will be short of props.

[Stargazer]

@Bovidae Moli, fourth photo:

[Bovidae]

@Stargazer I meant running etc based on @Yeetyaah's comment from the open training last week.

[Yeetyaah]

Can't complain about Lindenmuth tbh, he's a decent player and seems like a good dude off the field.

[bobily2]

@Yeetyaah said in Chiefs 2021:

Can't complain about Lindenmuth tbh, he's a decent player and seems like a good dude off the field.

And given the Chiefs history with props getting injured, he will likely play half the season too

[Yeetyaah]

From Pita Gus' instagram story. Looks like Gideon Wrampling is also training with the Chiefs.

[Stargazer]

[Bovidae]

I see that a Chiefs U20s wider training squad has also been in camp. Having a quick look at the photos I recognise a few players.

[Yeetyaah]

This post is deleted!

[Stargazer]

@Bovidae I haven't seen a complete list of players, but BOP and Taranaki have posted the names of their U20 playersin the Chiefs U20s wtg.

BOP
Kali Vaipulu
Mason Leaver
Cassius Misa
Jona Mataiciwa
Nikora Broughten
Melino Fotu
Kane O’Connor
Lucas Cashmore
Te Hemara Gardiner Toi
Josh Bartlett
Curtis Palmer
Veveni Lasaqa
Nephi Sanerive
Tama Te Aute
Arana Millar
Bernie Hati
James Porter (Resource Coach)
Scott Joblin (Strength & Conditioning Trainer)

Taranaki

[Bovidae]

@Stargazer Don't be expecting Waikato to do the same.

A few of the Waikato players I can recognise are Hakaraia Richards-Coxhead, Mason Tupaea and Campbell Robb (all front rowers). Also looks like Te Rama Rueben, who I thought would be BOP. Obviously not.

[OleOleOle]

@Bovidae yes the good old Waikato Rugby Union ministry of information is unlikely to be forth comming with with anything insightful....they need lessons in openness from Kim Jong-un...even his outfit is more open.

[Yeetyaah]

https://www.chiefs.co.nz/news-item/gallagher-chiefs-complete-2021-squad-signing-rameka-poihipi.

The Chiefs Rugby Club are pleased to announce Māori All Black Rameka Poihipi will complete the Gallagher Chiefs 2021 squad.
A product of Hamilton Boys' High School, Poihipi will join the Gallagher Chiefs for the upcoming Super Rugby Aotearoa and Trans- Ta$man Competitions.

[gt12]

That looks like a good pick up. Is it?

[Tim]

What are the Chiefs first choice forwards going to be? Will Moli be available?

Something like:

1 Ross
2 Harris
3 Ta'avao
4 Vaa'i
5 Brown
6 Jacobson
7 Cane
8 Sowakula

16 Taukei'aho
17 O'Neill
18 Mafileo
19 Ah Kuoi
20 Boshier

Depth will be a bit better than last year due to a better start with injuries and Vaa'i's development?

[Bovidae]

If everyone is fit and available I would select:

1 Ross
2 Harris
3 Mafileo
4 Vaa'i
5 Ah Kuoi
6 Jacobson
7 Cane
8 Sowakula

16 Taukei'aho
17 Moli
18 Ta'avao
19 Brown
20 Boshier

Mafileo would be best as the starter if in the 23, and Moli and Ta'avao more suited as the impact props.
Brown might be preferred at 6 with Jacobson at no.8 (Sowakula to the reserves). I don't think Boshier should start with Cane based on the options for no.8.

McMillan will have his own ideas so it's hard to know at this stage.