Chiefs squad

Sambo

Hopefully a break out year next year for Tamanivalu. He should get some extended game time and hopefully run in to sone hot form. He's got a lot to play for next year with C Smith gone.

Nepia

I think the Chiefs are still looking a bit week out wide TBH. I know they like to play a team game and are happy to rely on journeymen wings like Tikoirotuma if no big names are out there - but the Chiefs have lost crucial games in the last couple of years where a flair winger has won the game on the back of some sparkling play (Osborne for the Highlanders for example). Now, I'm more than happy to have them play a team game, and I really rate Lowe but I'd like some other backs out wide with a bit more of a reputation (I think it's bonkers that Fisihasi has walked into Super rugby from an injury plagued career in league - and I'm a fan of his at the Warriors when he played).

Crucial

I also looked at that list and thought that the outsides looked a bit uninspiring.

cgrant

My starting XV would be :
 
McKenzie
McNicol
Tamanivalu
Ngatai
Lowe
Cruden
Kerr Barlow
Leitch
Cane
Squire
Retallick
Bird
Laulala
Elliott
Graham

Sambo

Thought squire went to landers?

leytonandamanda

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Sambo" data-cid="536434" data-time="1446195184">Thought squire went to landers?</blockquote>
Yeah he did go to highlanders 
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Mister G

Where does young Moli fit in, looked a beast in the JWC.

leytonandamanda

He does look a talent but with laulala and Manu and Mitch graham there I can't see him playing that much 
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Cpt Kumera

I reckon give chase tiatia a crack on the wing

Bovidae

Cane will be starting at 7. It makes no sense to play him in a position that he won't be playing in for the ABs. I think Rennie will go one of two ways for the loose forward combination:
Leitch (6), Cane (7) and Vaipulu (8) or (6) Bardoul, (7) Cane and Leitch (8).
 
There isn't an abrasive ball-carrier in the first combo which is why I favour including Bardoul at 6. They might look at Seu at blindside flanker to play the same role.
 
Leyton's team looks fairly close with questions marks on who plays at 6/8, 12/13 and 14.

Bovidae

Some comments from Rennie about the Chiefs squad. The insight on TKB's rehab shows you how bad he wanted to be at the RWC.
 
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KiwiMurph

With Pulu putting his hand up for the 7s - who is the next cab off the rank as 3rd halfback for when Pulu isn't there?

Unco

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="KiwiMurph" data-cid="538762" data-time="1446518889">
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With Pulu putting his hand up for the 7s - who is the next cab off the rank as 3rd halfback for when Pulu isn't there?
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</blockquote>
Probably Levien.

bobily

I'd think it would be more likely to be Kayne Hammington. They brought him in this year at one point, I think.

Crucial

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="bobily" data-cid="538974" data-time="1446576512">
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I'd think it would be more likely to be Kayne Hammington. They brought him in this year at one point, I think.
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He has a relationship with Rennie from his U20s days (and an Upper Hutt connection) and was travelling at his own expense to train alongside the Chiefs. His reward was a bench spot after Pulu broke his arm. Was never an official squad member though.

bobily

Interesting, I remember Beau Robinson did that with the Reds, at one point. It worked out reasonably well for him, and ended up getting a cap with the Wallabies. Doesn't exactly look as if it will pay off for Hammington as well. Personally, I think Booth and Liam Howley have more upside to them.

Bovidae

Hammington was relegated to the reserve bench for Manawatu behind Morland so is he that good? I'd develop Levien. The Chiefs had Kitto involved this year but he signed with Leicester.

bobily

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Bovidae" data-cid="539135" data-time="1446606161">
Hammington was relegated to the reserve bench for Manawatu behind Morland so is he that good? I'd develop Levien. The Chiefs had Kitto involved this year but he signed with Leicester.</blockquote>
 
No, I don't rate him. I'm happy for Levien to be developed but I'm not sure that's what will happen. Though I guess the Chiefs have been pretty good at doing this in the past.

Crucial

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="bobily" data-cid="539096" data-time="1446600285">
<div>
Interesting, I remember Beau Robinson did that with the Reds, at one point. It worked out reasonably well for him, and ended up getting a cap with the Wallabies. Doesn't exactly look as if it will pay off for Hammington as well. Personally, I think Booth and Liam Howley have more upside to them.
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</blockquote>
 
Big call on Howley there! Have you watched him play? Does really well, certainly showed that he wasn't lost at provincial level and can develop further, but he currently doesn't stand out more than that.
 
I've watched him play club rugby and usually at that level, class players stand out. I remember seeing Alby M play for Upper Hutt one day without realising it was him (was taking the dogs for a walk) and thinking 'man this halfback has a great pass on him'. Liam is good, and has been on a planned development path, but has played one season out of school. I really hope he does well and develops further, but I wouldn't rate him above Hammington.

bobily

It is less about rating Howley highly, and more about not rating Hammington too much. 
 
I wouldn't necessarily think he is a better player now, but he isn't even 20 yet (unless I'm mistaken) so as a player who will largely just be training with the team, I think it would be more beneficial to include him than Hammington, who (I think) is 25.

The Silver Fern

Chiefs squad