Chiefs squad
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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> -
<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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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> -
<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> -
<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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<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>
