Chiefs 2022
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@gt12 said in Chiefs 2022:
@kiwi_expat said in Chiefs 2022:
@gt12 said in Chiefs 2022:
@Bovidae said in Chiefs 2022:
@Duluth said in Chiefs 2022:
Surely there would be out clauses etc
Sure, we saw that when Laulala and Mafileo swapped places, and the same for Alaimalo in 2021, and Ioane this season.
Trask is only 23 so I doubt the Chiefs would do that after investing in him. Gatland's contract likely won't be renewed after next season when he'll be 28. A move to the NH would suit him.
I think the biggest questions are whether Dmac (1) comes back, and (2) wants to play 10.
Assuming that yes is the answer to both of those questions (it's his best chance of playing in an AB jersey, IMO), then we need to be developing/signing our next fullback. I don't see anyone there now good enough or trusted enough..
2023 (best 9-15): Weber, DMac, Nankivell, Tupaea, ALB, Narawa, Lowe. 21 Ratima, 22 Reihana, 23 Wrampling.
That looks like a good team to fight it out with the Canes and Landers as the 3rd to 5th best in NZ.
We need much more on the wing and at fullback to challenge the top teams. Lowe can stay, recruit Rayasi, and give ENS his chance at FB (or cut him lose) and try to steal JRK from the Blues.
Don't be greedy now, you already have 1/2 or more of a current (& future potential) All Black's pack and midfield. The Highlanders require a Rayasi or JRK more than you do, they have a good pack and some key backs in TUJ, Fakatava, Gilbert, Smith. just need Rayasi on one wing to pair with Nareki, and entice PUJ southward to pair with his brother in the midfield.
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Lions boss Warren Gatland linked to 'monstrous' Test role
British & Irish Lions supremo Warren Gatland has been linked to the head coach role at the US Eagles - according to the Daily Mail.
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@Daffy-Jaffy said in Chiefs 2022:
Lions boss Warren Gatland linked to 'monstrous' Test role
British & Irish Lions supremo Warren Gatland has been linked to the head coach role at the US Eagles - according to the Daily Mail.
@Daffy-Jaffy said in Chiefs 2022:
https://www.rugbypass.com/news/lions-boss-warren-gatland-linked-to-monstrous-test-role/
I wonder what the talent drain on other nations will be as players move to the US in time to qualify. I imagine that the salaries could be very good
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@FakatavaFuture said in Chiefs 2022:
@Crucial if Gats Sr was to go he could take Bryn with him, then in 5 years donning the Eagles 10 jersey would be Bryn out of Huntly.. now residing in Houston!
Yeah. Not having a crack at him but Gats' time in NZ will have had him identify quite a few upcomers and experienced players that won't probably make the ABs but could very well add a lot to, not only an Eagles squad, but the internal US competition to get better quality games happening.
I fear more for the Pasifika teams. Just as they have a pathway to strengthen their national sides they could potentially lose layers to a lucrative US market.
The US RWC is a long way off in playing terms but there will need to be a build up period and I can see a number of 'fringe' NZ (and Chiefs) players plying their trade in the states through the mid 2020s -
'Another challenge': Chiefs hit by second Covid wave
The Chiefs have had to deal with more Covid-19 issues.
McMillan told NZME that around eight or nine players are currently infected with Covid-19.
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@Tim said in Chiefs 2022:
'Another challenge': Chiefs hit by second Covid wave
The Chiefs have had to deal with more Covid-19 issues.
McMillan told NZME that around eight or nine players are currently infected with Covid-19.
Geez when will this end.
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@Bovidae said in Chiefs 2022:
Without knowing which players (and positions) it could be a big problem or something that can be managed. Hopefully none of the players that didn't travel to Melbourne are in that group.
The article mentions that they are players not previously affected.
In the round against MP that was covid hit, among the non-covid players that took the field wereNorris
BBBR
Slater
Vaa'i
PGS
Weber
Gatland
Poihipi
Nanks
Lowe
Narawa
Trask
Finau
Ioane
QTCould be a very makeshift side
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@Bovidae said in Chiefs 2022:
I forget how young he is. Plenty of upside there for development too. Helps that he is with 3 AB locks at training.
Funny how our areas of depth concern can get filled quickly in NZ. Lots of young locks looking promising and it was only a season or so back we were fretting over halfbacks yet we now have four that have test experience plus a couple more that look like they could step up without much effort.
From a Chiefs perspective locks and halfacks look pretty healthy for while. -
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@Bovidae said in Chiefs 2022:
@Crucial I mentioned previously that McWhannell is the oldest of the other 4 Chiefs locks, and he turns 24 later in the year. Once BBBR goes, there is the nucleus of a strong locking contingent for many years to come.
Here's hoping that the days of using the likes of Mitch Brown in the second row are behind us.
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@Bovidae I'm such a massive fan of his, I've seen him around a few times at the supermarket and shit but I never say anything when I see players out as they're just humans. Mum's met him at games and says he's the loveliest guy out. Always a big fan of players personalities coming out rather than the standard "full credit to the boys" shit. Defs a future All Black.
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@Yeetyaah said in Chiefs 2022:
@Bovidae I'm such a massive fan of his, I've seen him around a few times at the supermarket and shit but I never say anything when I see players out as they're just humans. Mum's met him at games and says he's the loveliest guy out. Always a big fan of players personalities coming out rather than the standard "full credit to the boys" shit. Defs a future All Black.
Awesome, agree, agree, and no way.
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@gt12 said in Chiefs 2022:
@Yeetyaah said in Chiefs 2022:
@Bovidae I'm such a massive fan of his, I've seen him around a few times at the supermarket and shit but I never say anything when I see players out as they're just humans. Mum's met him at games and says he's the loveliest guy out. Always a big fan of players personalities coming out rather than the standard "full credit to the boys" shit. Defs a future All Black.
no way.
Why?
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@Yeetyaah said in Chiefs 2022:
@gt12 said in Chiefs 2022:
@Yeetyaah said in Chiefs 2022:
@Bovidae I'm such a massive fan of his, I've seen him around a few times at the supermarket and shit but I never say anything when I see players out as they're just humans. Mum's met him at games and says he's the loveliest guy out. Always a big fan of players personalities coming out rather than the standard "full credit to the boys" shit. Defs a future All Black.
no way.
Why?
He’s a bits and pieces player who is great at Super level but not good enough at either to make the next step in my opinion.
The lock/six spot is one where you have to be world class in one and really serviceable in the other.
So, he’d be well behind Vaa’i, Barrett, Robinson, and likely Grace right now, for me. The key one is Vaa’i who is basically the same thing but better, and already capped. He’s need an injury to Vaa’i to get the opportunity in my opinion, plus the selectors to ignore Robinson, and not use Barrett as a potential 6.
Too many dominos in my opinion.
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The Chiefs, and All Blacks, can breathe a sigh of relief, with Sam Cane having been cleared of any major injury. There were fears the Chiefs co-captain and ABs skipper could be facing an extended spell on the sidelines after copping a blow to his right knee in his side’s 51-24 Super Rugby Pacific win over the Force in Hamilton on Saturday evening. However, Stuff understands the veteran openside flanker has avoided any big damage and instead been diagnosed with just a strain.
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