Chiefs squad

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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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">
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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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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.

Bovidae

The Chiefs venues have been confirmed:
 
Gallagher Chiefs 2016 Pre-season Fixtures 
Friday 12 February Gallagher Chiefs v Waratahs, Bay of Plenty 
Friday 19 February Gallagher Chiefs v Blues, Counties Manukau Gallagher Chiefs 2016 Investec Super Rugby Home Fixtures
Saturday 5 March Gallagher Chiefs v Lions 5.15pm FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton 
Saturday 26 March Gallagher Chiefs v Western Force 7.35pm FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton 
Friday 8 April Gallagher Chiefs v Blues 7.35pm FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton 
Friday 29 April Gallagher Chiefs v Sharks 7.35pm Yarrow Stadium, New Plymouth 
Saturday 7 May Gallagher Chiefs v Highlanders 7.35pm FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton
Saturday 21 May Gallagher Chiefs v Rebels 7.35pm FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton Friday 1 July Gallagher Chiefs v Crusaders 7.35pm ANZ Stadium, Suva, Fiji
 
A bold decision to give away a home game.

Unco

Yeah, a big crowd game too. It's cool for Fiji but doesn't make too much sense to me.

Crucial

Playing the Blues at Pukekohe. Lucky it's early in the season so softies don't have to whine about getting a damp bum.

Wurzel

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Unco" data-cid="539721" data-time="1446789576">
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Yeah, a big crowd game too. It's cool for Fiji but doesn't make too much sense to me.
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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.

Hooroo

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Crucial" data-cid="539791" data-time="1446801596">Playing the Blues at Pukekohe. Lucky it's early in the season so softies don't have to whine about getting a damp bum.</blockquote>
 
So early it's not even in the season

hydro11

I thought the deal with Taranaki was that they get two home games a season?

Unco

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="hydro11" data-cid="539997" data-time="1446933395">
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I thought the deal with Taranaki was that they get two home games a season?
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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.
 
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.

Skinemson

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Bovidae" data-cid="539135" data-time="1446606161">
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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.
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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.

mariner4life

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.

The Silver Fern

Chiefs squad