Chiefs 2021
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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 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
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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.
@gt12 said in Chiefs 2021:
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.
That's my view too. However, I think it is important to have some depth and experience in the squad. Otherwise you are left with a situation like playing MMac at 1st, as happened a few seasons back when injury struck.
I would prefer Smith over Gatland myself, favouring picking within the region to retain them in NZ for the Chiefs' provinces.
Also Ta'avao is signed for 2021. Hopefully Moli has been re-signed and not end up at the Crusaders.
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Looks like Roe is all but confirmed for a Chiefs spot
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@bobily2 Him starting with TTT off the bench could be a handy combination. Weber available for experience too.
@Tim said in Chiefs 2021:
@bobily2 Him starting with TTT off the bench could be a handy combination. Weber available for experience too.
Haven't you got the order reversed? If those three are there it will be Weber with T3 on bench and the odd game where Roe gets a crack.
Are you suggesting a kid with one year NPC leapfrogs two ABs? -
@Tim said in Chiefs 2021:
@bobily2 Him starting with TTT off the bench could be a handy combination. Weber available for experience too.
Haven't you got the order reversed? If those three are there it will be Weber with T3 on bench and the odd game where Roe gets a crack.
Are you suggesting a kid with one year NPC leapfrogs two ABs? -
@Tim said in Chiefs 2021:
@Crucial He looks like he's got the goods.
Still a pretty big call to throw him straight at starting position! Let the kid settle in and see what the pro levels are like first. Plenty a nippy cheeky 9 has looked the goods at provincial level only to find that their USP doesn't translate.
I hope he does well and gets a chance though. -
@Tim said in Chiefs 2021:
@Crucial He looks like he's got the goods.
Still a pretty big call to throw him straight at starting position! Let the kid settle in and see what the pro levels are like first. Plenty a nippy cheeky 9 has looked the goods at provincial level only to find that their USP doesn't translate.
I hope he does well and gets a chance though. -
Tahuriorangi has been kept on the bench behind Luke Campbell for the Steamers for the last few weeks, so after Weber it may be a bit of a lottery for the Chiefs next year.
@Donsteppa That may also have been tactical. In the BOP games I watched TTT often came on at or soon after HT.
Having said that, he'll probably be on the bench for the Maori too.
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Time for an updated potential squad. I'm basing this on who was in the 2020 squad or involved in the WTG.
Hookers (3):
Nathan Harris (Bay of Plenty)
Samisoni Taukei’aho (Waikato)
Bradley Slater (Taranaki)Props (6):
Aidan Ross (Bay of Plenty)
Atunaisa Moli ( Ta$man)
Ryan Coxon ( Ta$man)
Nepo Laulala (Counties Manukau)Sione Mafileo (North Harbour)
Reuben O’Neill (Taranaki)
Angus Ta’avao (Auckland)Moli and O'Neill can play on either side but probably prefer TH. If another LH prop is needed then Ollie Norris (Waikato) or Jordan Lay (Bay of Plenty).
Locks (5):
Naitoa Ah Kuoi (Wellington)
Tyler Ardron (Bay of Plenty)Tupou Vaa'i (Taranaki)
Michael Allardice (Hawke’s Bay)Josh Lord (Taranaki)
Laghlan McWhannell (Waikato)Really need a fifth lock so the best of the rest is Tom Parsons (Hawke’s Bay) or Stan van den Hoven (Bay of Plenty).
Samipeni Finau (Waikato) could get a WTG contract but is a 6 playing lock. Has James Tucker re-signed with the Blues?
Loose Forwards (6):
Luke Jacobson (Waikato)
Mitchell Brown (Taranaki)
Sam Cane (Bay of Plenty)
Lachlan Boshier (Taranaki)
Mitchell Karpik (Bay of Plenty)
Pita Gus Sowakula (Taranaki)
Dylan Nel (Otago)Nel to be replaced by a specialist lock. If another no.8 is selected Simon Parker (Waikato) would be near the top of the list as he was involved this season.
Halfbacks (3):
Brad Weber (Hawke’s Bay)
Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi (Bay Of Plenty)
Lisati Milo-Harris (Taranaki)Xavier Roe (Waikato)First five-eighths (3):
Kaleb Trask (Bay of Plenty)
Aaron Cruden (Manawatu)Bryn Gatland (North Harbour)
Tiaan Falcon (Hawke’s Bay)Fletcher Smith (Waikato)/Rivez Reihana (Waikato)Midfielders (6):
Anton Lienert-Brown (Waikato)
Alex Nankivell ( Ta$man)
Quinn Tupaea (Waikato)
Tumua Manu (Auckland)Tei Walden (Taranaki)/Mathew Skipwith-Garland (Bay Of Plenty)
Orbyn Leger (Counties Manukau) - might be on the bubble for selection
Bailyn Sullivan (Waikato)Outside backs (6):
Solomon Alaimalo (Waikato)??? I was hoping this would be Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens.
Sam McNicol (Hawke’s Bay)
Kini Naholo (Taranaki)
Etene Nanai-Seturo (Counties Manukau)
Sean Wainui (Taranaki)
Damian McKenzie (Waikato)
Shaun Stevenson (North Harbour)Still looking for another winger or two if Wainui is selected more as a centre.
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Time for an updated potential squad. I'm basing this on who was in the 2020 squad or involved in the WTG.
Hookers (3):
Nathan Harris (Bay of Plenty)
Samisoni Taukei’aho (Waikato)
Bradley Slater (Taranaki)Props (6):
Aidan Ross (Bay of Plenty)
Atunaisa Moli ( Ta$man)
Ryan Coxon ( Ta$man)
Nepo Laulala (Counties Manukau)Sione Mafileo (North Harbour)
Reuben O’Neill (Taranaki)
Angus Ta’avao (Auckland)Moli and O'Neill can play on either side but probably prefer TH. If another LH prop is needed then Ollie Norris (Waikato) or Jordan Lay (Bay of Plenty).
Locks (5):
Naitoa Ah Kuoi (Wellington)
Tyler Ardron (Bay of Plenty)Tupou Vaa'i (Taranaki)
Michael Allardice (Hawke’s Bay)Josh Lord (Taranaki)
Laghlan McWhannell (Waikato)Really need a fifth lock so the best of the rest is Tom Parsons (Hawke’s Bay) or Stan van den Hoven (Bay of Plenty).
Samipeni Finau (Waikato) could get a WTG contract but is a 6 playing lock. Has James Tucker re-signed with the Blues?
Loose Forwards (6):
Luke Jacobson (Waikato)
Mitchell Brown (Taranaki)
Sam Cane (Bay of Plenty)
Lachlan Boshier (Taranaki)
Mitchell Karpik (Bay of Plenty)
Pita Gus Sowakula (Taranaki)
Dylan Nel (Otago)Nel to be replaced by a specialist lock. If another no.8 is selected Simon Parker (Waikato) would be near the top of the list as he was involved this season.
Halfbacks (3):
Brad Weber (Hawke’s Bay)
Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi (Bay Of Plenty)
Lisati Milo-Harris (Taranaki)Xavier Roe (Waikato)First five-eighths (3):
Kaleb Trask (Bay of Plenty)
Aaron Cruden (Manawatu)Bryn Gatland (North Harbour)
Tiaan Falcon (Hawke’s Bay)Fletcher Smith (Waikato)/Rivez Reihana (Waikato)Midfielders (6):
Anton Lienert-Brown (Waikato)
Alex Nankivell ( Ta$man)
Quinn Tupaea (Waikato)
Tumua Manu (Auckland)Tei Walden (Taranaki)/Mathew Skipwith-Garland (Bay Of Plenty)
Orbyn Leger (Counties Manukau) - might be on the bubble for selection
Bailyn Sullivan (Waikato)Outside backs (6):
Solomon Alaimalo (Waikato)??? I was hoping this would be Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens.
Sam McNicol (Hawke’s Bay)
Kini Naholo (Taranaki)
Etene Nanai-Seturo (Counties Manukau)
Sean Wainui (Taranaki)
Damian McKenzie (Waikato)
Shaun Stevenson (North Harbour)Still looking for another winger or two if Wainui is selected more as a centre.
@Bovidae said in Chiefs 2021:
Really need a fifth lock
Would have thought Sam Caird would have been on thier radar, he's looked good in 2 M10 Cup Campaigns now.
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@Bovidae said in Chiefs 2021:
Really need a fifth lock
Would have thought Sam Caird would have been on thier radar, he's looked good in 2 M10 Cup Campaigns now.
@taniwharugby said in Chiefs 2021:
@Bovidae said in Chiefs 2021:
Really need a fifth lock
Would have thought Sam Caird would have been on thier radar, he's looked good in 2 M10 Cup Campaigns now.
The Blues didn't select Caird either. A moot point now.
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@taniwharugby said in Chiefs 2021:
@Bovidae said in Chiefs 2021:
Really need a fifth lock
Would have thought Sam Caird would have been on thier radar, he's looked good in 2 M10 Cup Campaigns now.
The Blues didn't select Caird either. A moot point now.
@Bovidae he was in BLues dev side this season, but I dont think they needed any more locks but you are saying the Chiefs did/do was more what I was getting at...just meaning he is from the Waikato, am sure he'd have preferred coming home for super rugby than Aus?
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@Bovidae he was in BLues dev side this season, but I dont think they needed any more locks but you are saying the Chiefs did/do was more what I was getting at...just meaning he is from the Waikato, am sure he'd have preferred coming home for super rugby than Aus?
@taniwharugby Honestly, who knows if the Chiefs spoke with him. We'll have to wait and see which locks are chosen. Caird originally went to Northland as he wasn't getting much gametime behind Tucker and McWhannell for Waikato, so maybe he wasn't what they (the Chiefs) were looking for either. A shame to lose any player to across the ditch.
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Time for an updated potential squad. I'm basing this on who was in the 2020 squad or involved in the WTG.
Hookers (3):
Nathan Harris (Bay of Plenty)
Samisoni Taukei’aho (Waikato)
Bradley Slater (Taranaki)Props (6):
Aidan Ross (Bay of Plenty)
Atunaisa Moli ( Ta$man)
Ryan Coxon ( Ta$man)
Nepo Laulala (Counties Manukau)Sione Mafileo (North Harbour)
Reuben O’Neill (Taranaki)
Angus Ta’avao (Auckland)Moli and O'Neill can play on either side but probably prefer TH. If another LH prop is needed then Ollie Norris (Waikato) or Jordan Lay (Bay of Plenty).
Locks (5):
Naitoa Ah Kuoi (Wellington)
Tyler Ardron (Bay of Plenty)Tupou Vaa'i (Taranaki)
Michael Allardice (Hawke’s Bay)Josh Lord (Taranaki)
Laghlan McWhannell (Waikato)Really need a fifth lock so the best of the rest is Tom Parsons (Hawke’s Bay) or Stan van den Hoven (Bay of Plenty).
Samipeni Finau (Waikato) could get a WTG contract but is a 6 playing lock. Has James Tucker re-signed with the Blues?
Loose Forwards (6):
Luke Jacobson (Waikato)
Mitchell Brown (Taranaki)
Sam Cane (Bay of Plenty)
Lachlan Boshier (Taranaki)
Mitchell Karpik (Bay of Plenty)
Pita Gus Sowakula (Taranaki)
Dylan Nel (Otago)Nel to be replaced by a specialist lock. If another no.8 is selected Simon Parker (Waikato) would be near the top of the list as he was involved this season.
Halfbacks (3):
Brad Weber (Hawke’s Bay)
Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi (Bay Of Plenty)
Lisati Milo-Harris (Taranaki)Xavier Roe (Waikato)First five-eighths (3):
Kaleb Trask (Bay of Plenty)
Aaron Cruden (Manawatu)Bryn Gatland (North Harbour)
Tiaan Falcon (Hawke’s Bay)Fletcher Smith (Waikato)/Rivez Reihana (Waikato)Midfielders (6):
Anton Lienert-Brown (Waikato)
Alex Nankivell ( Ta$man)
Quinn Tupaea (Waikato)
Tumua Manu (Auckland)Tei Walden (Taranaki)/Mathew Skipwith-Garland (Bay Of Plenty)
Orbyn Leger (Counties Manukau) - might be on the bubble for selection
Bailyn Sullivan (Waikato)Outside backs (6):
Solomon Alaimalo (Waikato)??? I was hoping this would be Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens.
Sam McNicol (Hawke’s Bay)
Kini Naholo (Taranaki)
Etene Nanai-Seturo (Counties Manukau)
Sean Wainui (Taranaki)
Damian McKenzie (Waikato)
Shaun Stevenson (North Harbour)Still looking for another winger or two if Wainui is selected more as a centre.
@Bovidae said in Chiefs 2021:
Time for an updated potential squad. I'm basing this on who was in the 2020 squad or involved in the WTG.
Hookers (3):
Nathan Harris (Bay of Plenty)
Samisoni Taukei’aho (Waikato)
Bradley Slater (Taranaki)Props (6):
Aidan Ross (Bay of Plenty)
Atunaisa Moli ( Ta$man)
Ryan Coxon ( Ta$man)
Nepo Laulala (Counties Manukau)Sione Mafileo (North Harbour)
Reuben O’Neill (Taranaki)
Angus Ta’avao (Auckland)Moli and O'Neill can play on either side but probably prefer TH. If another LH prop is needed then Ollie Norris (Waikato) or Jordan Lay (Bay of Plenty).
Locks (5):
Naitoa Ah Kuoi (Wellington)
Tyler Ardron (Bay of Plenty)Tupou Vaa'i (Taranaki)
Michael Allardice (Hawke’s Bay)Josh Lord (Taranaki)
Laghlan McWhannell (Waikato)Really need a fifth lock so the best of the rest is Tom Parsons (Hawke’s Bay) or Stan van den Hoven (Bay of Plenty).
Samipeni Finau (Waikato) could get a WTG contract but is a 6 playing lock. Has James Tucker re-signed with the Blues?
Loose Forwards (6):
Luke Jacobson (Waikato)
Mitchell Brown (Taranaki)
Sam Cane (Bay of Plenty)
Lachlan Boshier (Taranaki)
Mitchell Karpik (Bay of Plenty)
Pita Gus Sowakula (Taranaki)
Dylan Nel (Otago)Nel to be replaced by a specialist lock. If another no.8 is selected Simon Parker (Waikato) would be near the top of the list as he was involved this season.
Halfbacks (3):
Brad Weber (Hawke’s Bay)
Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi (Bay Of Plenty)
Lisati Milo-Harris (Taranaki)Xavier Roe (Waikato)First five-eighths (3):
Kaleb Trask (Bay of Plenty)
Aaron Cruden (Manawatu)Bryn Gatland (North Harbour)
Tiaan Falcon (Hawke’s Bay)Fletcher Smith (Waikato)/Rivez Reihana (Waikato)Midfielders (6):
Anton Lienert-Brown (Waikato)
Alex Nankivell ( Ta$man)
Quinn Tupaea (Waikato)
Tumua Manu (Auckland)Mathew Skipwith-Garland (Bay Of Plenty)
Orbyn Leger (Counties Manukau) - might be on the bubble for selection
Bailyn Sullivan (Waikato)Outside backs (6):
Solomon Alaimalo (Waikato)??? I was hoping this would be Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens.
Sam McNicol (Hawke’s Bay)
Kini Naholo (Taranaki)
Etene Nanai-Seturo (Counties Manukau)
Sean Wainui (Taranaki)
Damian McKenzie (Waikato)
Shaun Stevenson (North Harbour)Still looking for another winger or two if Wainui is selected more as a centre.
you let Nel go? i doubt we need yet another loosie but he's been real good in this years NPC, anyone else still looking for a loosie?
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@Bovidae said in Chiefs 2021:
Time for an updated potential squad. I'm basing this on who was in the 2020 squad or involved in the WTG.
Hookers (3):
Nathan Harris (Bay of Plenty)
Samisoni Taukei’aho (Waikato)
Bradley Slater (Taranaki)Props (6):
Aidan Ross (Bay of Plenty)
Atunaisa Moli ( Ta$man)
Ryan Coxon ( Ta$man)
Nepo Laulala (Counties Manukau)Sione Mafileo (North Harbour)
Reuben O’Neill (Taranaki)
Angus Ta’avao (Auckland)Moli and O'Neill can play on either side but probably prefer TH. If another LH prop is needed then Ollie Norris (Waikato) or Jordan Lay (Bay of Plenty).
Locks (5):
Naitoa Ah Kuoi (Wellington)
Tyler Ardron (Bay of Plenty)Tupou Vaa'i (Taranaki)
Michael Allardice (Hawke’s Bay)Josh Lord (Taranaki)
Laghlan McWhannell (Waikato)Really need a fifth lock so the best of the rest is Tom Parsons (Hawke’s Bay) or Stan van den Hoven (Bay of Plenty).
Samipeni Finau (Waikato) could get a WTG contract but is a 6 playing lock. Has James Tucker re-signed with the Blues?
Loose Forwards (6):
Luke Jacobson (Waikato)
Mitchell Brown (Taranaki)
Sam Cane (Bay of Plenty)
Lachlan Boshier (Taranaki)
Mitchell Karpik (Bay of Plenty)
Pita Gus Sowakula (Taranaki)
Dylan Nel (Otago)Nel to be replaced by a specialist lock. If another no.8 is selected Simon Parker (Waikato) would be near the top of the list as he was involved this season.
Halfbacks (3):
Brad Weber (Hawke’s Bay)
Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi (Bay Of Plenty)
Lisati Milo-Harris (Taranaki)Xavier Roe (Waikato)First five-eighths (3):
Kaleb Trask (Bay of Plenty)
Aaron Cruden (Manawatu)Bryn Gatland (North Harbour)
Tiaan Falcon (Hawke’s Bay)Fletcher Smith (Waikato)/Rivez Reihana (Waikato)Midfielders (6):
Anton Lienert-Brown (Waikato)
Alex Nankivell ( Ta$man)
Quinn Tupaea (Waikato)
Tumua Manu (Auckland)Mathew Skipwith-Garland (Bay Of Plenty)
Orbyn Leger (Counties Manukau) - might be on the bubble for selection
Bailyn Sullivan (Waikato)Outside backs (6):
Solomon Alaimalo (Waikato)??? I was hoping this would be Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens.
Sam McNicol (Hawke’s Bay)
Kini Naholo (Taranaki)
Etene Nanai-Seturo (Counties Manukau)
Sean Wainui (Taranaki)
Damian McKenzie (Waikato)
Shaun Stevenson (North Harbour)Still looking for another winger or two if Wainui is selected more as a centre.
you let Nel go? i doubt we need yet another loosie but he's been real good in this years NPC, anyone else still looking for a loosie?
@Kiwiwomble said in Chiefs 2021:
you let Nel go? i doubt we need yet another loosie but he's been real good in this years NPC, anyone else still looking for a loosie?
Only an assumption on my behalf. Maybe @Stargazer knows the length of Nel's contract but I wouldn't be surprised if it was only for 1 year. I thought Nel did OK in his limited opportunities but he doesn't demand selection. Nel also lacks size to be a SR-level no.8.
