Chiefs 2021
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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.
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@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? -
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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
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@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.
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@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.
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@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. -
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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.
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@Chris said in Chiefs 2021:
Where does that leave Fletcher Smith if there is no room for him at the chiefs,As the Canes don't seem to be interested the Blues are covered,Unless its back to the Landers as a swap for Gatland or the Crusaders are looking to replace Cameron.
Is smith out of contract at the canes, I’d take him back down south but would me more of a 15 that can cover 10...which is how we were using him before...and why he left I believe
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@Kiwiwomble I believe he is. Canes have a hard on for JGB for whatever reason. He'd fit right in with the Chiefs, he's only mid 20s and he hasn't been given a lot of chances at Super level.
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I dont love this signing but since its been done, we should commit to Trask/Dmac and Reihana, with Gatland as the bench back-up bring it home option. So, I dont see space for Smith (who is probably prefer) or Mcclutchie who also looks class.
I can see some usefulness of Gatland in a bench role, especially in games where the Chiefs need more structure and a player who can drive them around late in games. Being able to kick dropped could be useful too.
Right now, if day we should be starting with Trask/Dmac and then build the back line around that combo. If try each of them at first five and see who goes better with Weber/TTT and ALB.
I think its going to be a bit of long year for us. We’re not really signing super high quality players, we have substantial gaps, and the better younger players are being drawn to the Blues now that they have turned the corner and are on an upward swing.
With luck, we’ll get a serviceable tight 5, develop some front and second row talent and be ready to challenge in 2022.
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I think gats is a great bench first five at super level, he’s going to slot those winner goals when needed at the death
He’s top point scorer for the npc isn’t he, more than handy
