Chiefs 2021
-
-
I expect Trask and McKenzie to share 10 and 15 next year, so makes sense for Alaimalo to move if he is keen on 15. Was hoping that Fletcher Smith and Rivez Reihana would both be signed as the alternatives. Interesting to see Stevenson showing so much more consistency for Harbour at fullback. Still hoping to see a big winger recruited, assuming Nanai-Seturo goes to 7's. But Josh Mackay or Jacob Kneepkens would be ok.
Might want a BIG lock (Lord/Selby-Rickett/Van Den Hoven) and a metre-gaining Number 8 (Lamborn, Manu, Messam, K Boshier?) to add depth there. I assume that Xavier Roe, Samepeni Finau and Matt Garland will be recruited.
-
Interesting that the Chiefs granted Alaimalo an early release. He'll sign with Southland due to the MacLeod and little bro connection.
Alaimalo has been injured more often than not over the last 2 seasons so neither the Chiefs or Waikato have got value for money.
There are young wingers in the region like Kneepkens and Naholo.
-
@Bovidae I think Chiefs need one experienced midfielder to add stability there besides Lienert-Brown, Tupaea seems injury plagued, Manu leaving and will Nankivell be fit for early season? Maybe Wainui moves to centre if they pick up 2 quality wingers?
Depending on who goes to sevens midfielders may be in shortish supply for Super squads, while some good locks may not find a spot. Maybe Tofa from Manawatu or Poihipi back from Canterbury? -
-
Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, who started playing at the Tukapa Rugby Club in New Plymouth when he was a 4-year-old, has also signed with Taranaki Rugby. And he has been in talks with the Chiefs
From October 2019
-
@Bovidae said in Chiefs 2021:
Fair enough. He is a centre where the other three are best suited to 2nd 5. I'd be comfortable with a Nankivell-ALB combo but that means playing ALB at centre.
I'm hoping that Wainui is a considered a bench centre who can play winger in the squad.
I'd be happy with ALB-Wainui in the midfield as well.
-
-
@Bovidae said in Chiefs 2021:
Gatland confirmed.
Really dumb. Really dumb.
He is average at best. I get that they need more 10s on the books but if you really have to, why not just a year?
The nepotism shadow will hold other, better 10s back from signing. Would you join a team where the coach's son played in the same position as you?
I'm sure they will try to keep it all professional but the perception of favouritism will be strong. Especially if Bryn is selected when not playing that well.
Besides, as I started with, he is pretty average. -
@Crucial I am interested in who the other 1st 5 will be because that will determine the pecking order. Do the Chiefs go for another more experienced player like Smith or promote a young player like Reihana?
I think Trask will be favoured to start but he has been playing fullback most of the NPC.
-
@Bovidae said in Chiefs 2021:
@Crucial I am interested in who the other 1st 5 will be because that will determine the pecking order. Do the Chiefs go for another more experienced player like Smith or promote a young player like Reihana?
I think Trask will be favoured to start but he has been playing fullback most of the NPC.
I don't mind that at his stage of development. He gets to shadow a guy with a bit more experience from behind and observe options. He also gets to up his skills when covering the back as 10s are often asked to do now.
Remember that his NPC coach will be his Super coach next year so will be aware of all this.
I just can't see them having anyone other than Gatland as first choice tbh. Whoever they pick as a third (if they even do) will be training fodder unless there are injuries. Even then, more likely that Mac will fill in. -
-
I am disappointed by this signing. I like Bryn as a player but feel there are equally good options in the region who may be ignored now. His style sits well with a dominant pack and positional strategy. But that does not seem to be the Chiefs strengths. I expected Trask and Mckenzie to be the playmaker combo next year and someone else wanted to close out or assume tactical control. I see Trask as a future AB and am a bit worried with his rivals Dad coaching. No room for both Fletcher Smith and Rivez Reihana now.
