Chiefs v Highlanders

[Bovidae]

Closer to a first-choice team.

https://www.chiefs.co.nz/news-item/gallagher-chiefs-motivated-for-first-game-at-home

[Bovidae]

The team is (Chiefs caps in brackets):
1 Aidan Ross (62)
2 Samisoni Taukei’aho (65)
3 John Ryan (2)
4 Brodie Retallick (117)
5 Tupou Vaa’i (33)
6 Naitoa Ah Kuoi (35)
7 Sam Cane (Co-Captain, 139)
8 Luke Jacobson (51)
9 Brad Weber (Co-Captain, 112)
10 Damian McKenzie (97)
11 Etene Nanai-Seturo (30)
12 Rameka Poihipi (16)
13 Alex Nankivell (60)
14 Emoni Narawa (9)
15 Shaun Stevenson (69)

Reserves:
16 Bradley Slater (41)
17 Ollie Norris (30)
18 George Dyer (9)
19 Samipeni Finau (19)
20 Pita Gus Sowakula (55)
21 Cortez Ratima (11)
22 Josh Ioane (9)
23 Daniel Rona (Debut)

Players not considered because of injury: Angus Ta’avao (season), Atu Moli, Josh Lord, Quinn Tupaea, Anton Lienert-Brown.

[SouthernMann]

Highlanders team looks shit. Chiefs by 40

Ethan de Groot
Rhys Marshall
Jermaine Ainsley
Pari Pari Parkinson
Josh Dickson
Shannon Frizell
James Lentjes (C)
Hugh Renton
Aaron Smith
Mitch Hunt
Mosese Dawai
Thomas Umaga-Jensen
Josh Timu
Martin Bogado
Freddie Burns
Reserves: 16. Leni Apisai 17. Ayden Johnstone 18. Saula Mau 19. Fabian Holland 20. Sean Withy 21. Kemara Hauiti-Parapara Fetuli Paea 23. Connor Garden-Bachop

[Kiwiwomble]

seriously, burns to 15? when we have CGB on the bench make me mad, we thought he was a starting 10 last week...we're going to get another flogging

[Stargazer]

Highlanders media release:

https://thehighlanders.co.nz/news/smith-frizell-and-de-groot-to-return-for-chiefs-clash/

Harmon and Folau Fakatava will observe their All Black breaks this week.

Not Available due to injury: Marty Banks (groin), Sam Gilbert (shoulder), Scott Gregory (knee), Vili Koroi (knee), Jonah Lowe (concussion), Marino Mikaele-Tu’u (ribs), Jona Nareki (foot), Jeff Thwaites (back), Will Tucker (groin).

[SouthernMann]

@Kiwiwomble said in Chiefs v Highlanders:

seriously, burns to 15? when we have CGB on the bench make me mad, we thought he was a starting 10 last week...we're going to get another flogging

I would have taken Sean Withy or Lentjes at 8. If one of Hunt or Burns had to play fullback, I would have gone Hunt. CGB should be on the wing in front of the other two.

[Kiwiwomble]

@SouthernMann would have been happy with those changes, Hunt had a cracking game in 2021 at 15 against the chiefs

[Grooter]

This post is deleted!

[Bovidae]

I thought that Selby-Rickit would be on the bench this week (he hasn't played yet) but now more likely to be involved in the Rebels game as one of Retallick or Vaa'i are rested.

[Stargazer]

@FakatavaAllBlack I was just editing my post to add that. I'm surprised that Harmon has to observe All Blacks breaks, as he trained with them, but wasn't a full (playing) squad member. That makes me think that the group of players that has to take ABs breaks is probably wider than the initial 2022 squad.

[taniwharugby]

@Stargazer assume when they get selected/called up to go on tour they sign a new or amended contract?

But is a bit silly really for some of them to require a rest, when some want/need the time to push thier case further

[Stargazer]

@taniwharugby Or there is a standard clause in a player's contract that is activated as soon as they're called into the ABs (but doesn't apply if they aren't)? I have no idea.

I agree that not all players need (or want) an ABs rest break. RTS didn't take his (with permission of NZR) for that reason. I assume there are more players who aren't keen.

[kiwi_expat]

@Bovidae Narawa back at 14, Chiefs' best back 3 unless Punivai can make a big enough impression.

Is Rona any good? why does Wrampling never get a go? He should move to Highlanders or Crusaders who're light on powerful midfield options.

[Bovidae]

@kiwi_expat said in Chiefs v Highlanders:

Is Rona any good?

He impressed in the preseason games and covers the midfield and wing, so an ideal sub for this team.

why does Wrampling never get a go?

He is returning from a serious knee injury but should be available for selection soon.

[Nepia]

Looking at the Highlanders hookers Thompson really should have gone there instead of the Chiefs to get more gametime.

[Kiwiwomble]

Not Available for the highlanders due to injury: Marty Banks (groin), Sam Gilbert (shoulder), Scott Gregory (knee), Vili Koroi (knee), Jonah Lowe (concussion), Marino Mikaele-Tu’u (ribs), Jona Nareki (foot), Jeff Thwaites (back), Will Tucker (groin).

for me thats 4 starters out

whats up with Gatland?

[Old Samurai Jack]

This is it! This is the week the Clan clicks and takes it!!

[Bovidae]

@Kiwiwomble said in Chiefs v Highlanders:

whats up with Gatland?

What do you mean? Clearly, Gatland isn't going to start at 1st 5 ahead of DMac, and Ioane can play 10, 15 and even 12. He is also the better impact player as seen against the Crusaders.

McMillan has given most fit players a run in the first 3 Rds.

[Kiwiwomble]

@Bovidae i guess i expected him to get more game time, he left us even though had a 50/50 chance to start at 10 with Hunt but i guess youre right with DMac...just feels daming he'd rather get the odd game on the bench with the chiefs than start for us....in saying that we dont know, maybe we told him he wasn;t wanted

[Crucial]

@Kiwiwomble said in Chiefs v Highlanders:

@Bovidae i guess i expected him to get more game time, he left us even though had a 50/50 chance to start at 10 with Hunt but i guess youre right with DMac...just feels daming he'd rather get the odd game on the bench with the chiefs than start for us....in saying that we dont know, maybe we told him he wasn;t wanted

Daddy was Chiefs remember.
I do agree though that it is dumb for him to be a training jersey wearer only at the Chiefs when he could be well used at the Landers.
Need to bring back loan players IMO. Better that these guys play.
Even if Gatland would rather be backup in a good team, you guys could certainly do with a player like Reihana who gets no time at all.