Chiefs squad
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I'm liking the look of their squad! <br>
Glen fisiahi I'm hoping makes a big impact,he has some serious pace<br>
My starters would be-<br>
15.Damian Mckenzie <br>
14.Glen fisiahi <br>
13.charlie ngatai<br>
12.Andrew horrell <br>
11.James lowes <br>
10.aaron cruden<br>
9..Tkb<br>
8..Michael leitch <br>
7.Mitch karpik <br>
6.sam cane<br>
5.Dominic bird<br>
4.Brodie retallick<br>
3.nepo laulala<br>
2.Hika Elliott<br>
1.Paliasi Manu<br><br>
I know cane not played a lot at 6 but I really think cane and karpik would work well together as hooper and pocock do <br>
6..<br><br><br>
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<p>Is Ngatai a better 13 or 12?</p>
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He played mostly at 13 I think<br><br><br>
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Not a bad 23.....picking Ngatai to start a stellar ab career next year (well bloody well hoping so. Rated him since he turned up as a school boy). Thought he was terrific v Samoa pre WC.
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<p>Ngatai mostly plays 12 but he can play either position pretty well.</p>
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<p>I really like the look of the Chiefs squad too. Laulala and Bird are awesome signings, it's great to see the wily veteran Donald in there (especially given the problems the Chiefs had at first five last year) and there's a lot of promising young players like Karpik, Tucker, Sanders, Moli, Seu and so on mixed in too.</p>
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<p>As for your team leyton, most of it looks pretty good but your loosie combo and midfield are mixed bags. Horrell's decent but doesn't really offer anything on attack, so I'd like to see ALB and Tamanivalu given some chances long before he gets a shot at the starting lineup. I'd also like to see Bardoul, Sanders, Seu and Vaipulu given shots long before anyone start thinking about playing two opensides.</p> -
<p>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.</p>
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<p>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).</p>
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I also looked at that list and thought that the outsides looked a bit uninspiring.
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<p>My starting XV would be :</p>
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<p>McKenzie</p>
<p>McNicol</p>
<p>Tamanivalu</p>
<p>Ngatai</p>
<p>Lowe</p>
<p>Cruden</p>
<p>Kerr Barlow</p>
<p>Leitch</p>
<p>Cane</p>
<p>Squire</p>
<p>Retallick</p>
<p>Bird</p>
<p>Laulala</p>
<p>Elliott</p>
<p>Graham</p> -
Thought squire went to landers?
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<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Sambo" data-cid="536434" data-time="1446195184"><p>Thought squire went to landers?</p></blockquote>
Yeah he did go to highlanders <br><br><br>
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<p>Where does young Moli fit in, looked a beast in the JWC.</p>
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He does look a talent but with laulala and Manu and Mitch graham there I can't see him playing that much<br><br><br>
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<p>I reckon give chase tiatia a crack on the wing</p>
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<p>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:</p>
<p>Leitch (6), Cane (7) and Vaipulu (8) or (6) Bardoul, (7) Cane and Leitch (8).</p>
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<p>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.</p>
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<p>Leyton's team looks fairly close with questions marks on who plays at 6/8, 12/13 and 14.</p> -
<p>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.</p>
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<p>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?</p>
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<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="KiwiMurph" data-cid="538762" data-time="1446518889">
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<p>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?</p>
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<p>Probably Levien.</p> -
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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<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="bobily" data-cid="538974" data-time="1446576512">
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<p>I'd think it would be more likely to be Kayne Hammington. They brought him in this year at one point, I think.</p>
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<p>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.</p> -
<p>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.</p>
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<p>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.</p>
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<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Bovidae" data-cid="539135" data-time="1446606161"><p>
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.</p></blockquote>
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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. -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="bobily" data-cid="539096" data-time="1446600285">
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<p>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.</p>
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<p>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.</p>
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<p>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.</p> -
<p>It is less about rating Howley highly, and more about not rating Hammington too much. </p>
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<p>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.</p> -
<p>The Chiefs venues have been confirmed:</p>
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<p class=""><span><strong><span>Gallagher Chiefs 2016 Pre-season Fixtures </span></strong></span></p>
<p class=""><span>Friday 12 February Gallagher Chiefs v Waratahs, Bay of Plenty<br>
Friday 19 February Gallagher Chiefs v Blues, Counties Manukau<br><br><span><strong>Gallagher Chiefs 2016 Investec Super Rugby Home Fixtures</strong></span></span></p>
<p class=""><span>Saturday 5 March Gallagher Chiefs v Lions 5.15pm FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton<br>
Saturday 26 March Gallagher Chiefs v Western Force 7.35pm FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton<br>
Friday 8 April Gallagher Chiefs v Blues 7.35pm FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton<br>
Friday 29 April Gallagher Chiefs v Sharks 7.35pm Yarrow Stadium, New Plymouth<br>
Saturday 7 May Gallagher Chiefs v Highlanders 7.35pm FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton</span></p>
<p><span>Saturday 21 May Gallagher Chiefs v Rebels 7.35pm FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton<br><strong>Friday 1 July Gallagher Chiefs v Crusaders 7.35pm ANZ Stadium, Suva, Fiji</strong></span></p>
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<p><span>A bold decision to give away a home game.</span></p> -
<p>Yeah, a big crowd game too. It's cool for Fiji but doesn't make too much sense to me.</p>
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Playing the Blues at Pukekohe. Lucky it's early in the season so softies don't have to whine about getting a damp bum.
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<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Unco" data-cid="539721" data-time="1446789576">
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<p>Yeah, a big crowd game too. It's cool for Fiji but doesn't make too much sense to me.</p>
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<p>Having the Welsh come to Waikato Stadium means the Chiefs, their fans and sponsors still have the same amount of home games; allowing them to experiment in a new market. Makes sense to me.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Crucial" data-cid="539791" data-time="1446801596"><p>Playing the Blues at Pukekohe. Lucky it's early in the season so softies don't have to whine about getting a damp bum.</p></blockquote>
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So early it's not even in the season -
<p>I thought the deal with Taranaki was that they get two home games a season?</p>
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<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="hydro11" data-cid="539997" data-time="1446933395">
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<p>I thought the deal with Taranaki was that they get two home games a season?</p>
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<p>I noticed that too. I guess the deal was only for the first couple of years and they just want one game going forward, which is still a big improvement over what they used to get.</p>
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<p>I never really had a good look at it but the full schedule seems a bit strange to me. 7 home games (1 in Fiji), 9 away games. 2 games vs the Saders and Landers but only one vs the Blues and Canes. All five Aussie teams, unlike the old setup which would miss one. Short tour against the easy beats Kings and what'll probably be a tough fuckin game against the Argies in Argieland. And only one bye in the entire season. Seems like a tough schedule.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Bovidae" data-cid="539135" data-time="1446606161">
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<p>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.</p>
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<p>He was injured during the second game and pretty much missed the whole season and retured for the last game (off the bench) he was starting leading up to that.</p> -
<p>Fuck Fiji. Why do take a top-draw regular season game all the way to Fiji, while neither Counties nor BOP can get one? Fuck the Chiefs piss me off. And fuck Taranaki too. </p>
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<p>While I don't agree with taking a big derby game to Fiji it's obviously a business decision, and as Wurzel says it is offset by the Welsh game. The Chiefs wouldn't be doing it otherwise. As to not playing a regular season game at Puke or in the BOP, that will be due to the sub-standard facilities. Rotorua could host a game, and is a really good venue but not always well supported. Baypark is a shithole.</p>
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<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Bovidae" data-cid="545435" data-time="1448863672">
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<p>While I don't agree with taking a big derby game to Fiji it's obviously a business decision, and as Wurzel says it is offset by the Welsh game. The Chiefs wouldn't be doing it otherwise. As to not playing a regular season game at Puke or in the BOP, that will be due to the sub-standard facilities. Rotorua could host a game, and is a really good venue but not always well supported. Baypark is a shithole.</p>
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<p>How does it matter that Baypark is a shithole? Are the players that pampered they need A grade changing rooms? The stands are rubbish, but the crowds still turn up. So I think the fans dont need the Chiefs to decide for them if it is good enough for viewing.</p>
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<p>And where does this facilities argument sit in regards to playing in fucking Suva??</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Baron Silas Greenback" data-cid="545438" data-time="1448865398">
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<p>How does it matter that Baypark is a shithole? Are the players that pampered they need A grade changing rooms? The stands are rubbish, but the crowds still turn up. So I think the fans dont need the Chiefs to decide for them if it is good enough for viewing.</p>
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<p>And where does this facilities argument sit in regards to playing in fucking Suva??</p>
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<p>I daresay the Chiefs marketing people think that is they take the game to Baypark, people will turn up and think, "that was a shit experience - a bunch of mini-men running about in the far distance - we won't go to watch the Chiefs again". </p>
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<p>Don't want to pay rates for a decent stadium. Don't want to pay taxes for climate change.</p>
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<p>You watch it on telly and like it! :)</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Baron Silas Greenback" data-cid="545438" data-time="1448865398">
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<p>How does it matter that Baypark is a shithole? Are the players that pampered they need A grade changing rooms? The stands are rubbish, but the crowds still turn up. So I think the fans dont need the Chiefs to decide for them if it is good enough for viewing.</p>
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<p>I'm sure that Sanzar has a minimum standard that is required for the quality of the field, lights, player and media facilities etc. I'm not defending the decsion by the Chiefs' board, just suggesting a reason why they've made that decision. In an ideal world BOP and C-M would each host a Chiefs game each season. </p>
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<p>And where does this facilities argument sit in regards to playing in fucking Suva??</p>
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<p>They have recently upgraded the stadium so obviously it meets their needs. I assume the match will be played during the day.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Bovidae" data-cid="545480" data-time="1448907728">
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<p><strong>I'm sure that Sanzar has a minimum standard that is required for the quality of the field, lights, player and media facilities etc. </strong> I'm not defending the decsion by the Chiefs' board, just suggesting a reason why they've made that decision. In an ideal world BOP and C-M would each host a Chiefs game each season. </p>
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<p>They have recently upgraded the stadium so obviously it meets their needs. I assume the match will be played during the day.</p>
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<p>they do, the old Okara Park did not meet them, luckily the new stadium does so we get loads of game now! :)</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Chris B." data-cid="545442" data-time="1448871407">
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<p>I daresay the Chiefs marketing people think that is they take the game to Baypark, people will turn up and think, "that was a shit experience - a bunch of mini-men running about in the far distance - we won't go to watch the Chiefs again". </p>
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<p>Don't want to pay rates for a decent stadium. Don't want to pay taxes for climate change.</p>
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<p>You watch it on telly and like it! :)</p>
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<p>Well that is a a great theory except it has already been proven to be bollox. People turned up and watched.. and then did it again.</p>
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<p>And who said I dont want to pay rates for a good stadium??</p>
