Chiefs SA tour

[PaarlBok]

Thought I post a bit on them here and would like to hear RB's thoughts as the tour go along. Waikato always my favourate NZ team and the Chiefs as a NZ S14 franchise. So their tour here always a bit of sweet and a bit of bitter.

The first game is against the Cheetahs. Think they could not have ask for a better team and a place like Kimberley to start. I post a bit about Kimberley and their legend Oom Bushy on TSF and sure the same kind of supporter caracter like the ChainSawMan in Hamilton. These okes is the real stars and legends of the game and not the Jan's like myself , the 23rd member of the teams. So Bushy may let them feel at home and Kimberley a tough place to play Griekwas , dunno about the Cheetahs.

The Cheetah team is with their tails up and sure not even close to the same kind of team you'll see on tour. They will big on defense at home and their pack will provide better pill plus they maybe have one of the best loosies in the business, surely their strong point.

The Chiefs however can clean up from any position but they will miss Sivi.

CHIEFS

1. Ben May
2. Aled de Malmanche
3. James McGougan
4. Craig Clarke
5. Kevin O'Neill
6. Liam Messam
7. Tanerau Latimer
8. Sione Lauaki
9. Brendon Leonard
10. Stephen Donald
11. Dwayne Sweeney
12. Callum Bruce
13. Richard Kahui
14. Tim Mikkelson
15. Mils Muliaina (captain)



Reserves:
16. Hika Elliot
17. Sona Taumalolo
18. Toby Lynn
19. Serge Lilo
20. Toby Morland
21. Mike Delany
22. Jackson Willison

 

[Scorz]

We're missing Masaga too, he's going to be out for a while. Luckily we have Sweeney, who most write off as a mediocre utility but scored a hat trick last time out. He's in great form.

Even so, any Chiefs fan will tell you being confident is usually setting yourself up for a bigger fall...

 

[Red Beard]

Kahui now out I just read somewhere! Alarm bells rigning!!!

Like the look of that Chiefs front row, thats by far their best scrummaging combination IMO.

 

[Scorz]

I'm always pretty hard on Foster for a lack of real results, and when you see the full strength team injury free he's got all the weapons available which makes it hard to fathom. However, they've started to fire on most cylinders for now so time to cut him some slack.
Bloody Kahui, the boy is so good but just so fragile. WTF is up with that?!?!

 

[Ash]

What happened to Masaga? No masaga, no Sivi, no Kahui...next to go is surely Mils when he strains his back standing up from the crapper.

I've always rated Sweeney, more than a lot of Chiefs supporters at TSF ever did. Probably because I think I saw Sweeney for what he was - a strong, robust tackle breaking player, rather than a traditional player who could run a sweet line, actually kick a ball without looking like an idiot, deliver a pass to put someone in a hole, or be in the correct position every time. You just have to use him correctly and get the best from him. Ioane used to be in the same boat, but this year Ioane has added a little more to his skill set. Don't know why a coach would think of putting Sweeney at 12, though. Ever.

 

[Blue]

Kahui now out I just read somewhere! Alarm bells rigning!!!

Like the look of that Chiefs front row, thats by far their best scrummaging combination IMO.

Should be a good contest in the scrums. The Cheetahs scrum looked very good against the Shark and Calldo is quickly developing into a very good TH.

Could be a crackerjack game. Cheetahs are throwing it around and the Chiefs like to spread it.

 

[Scorz]

1. What happened to Masaga? No masaga, no Sivi, no Kahui...next to go is surely Mils when he strains his back standing up from the crapper.

2. Don't know why a coach would think of putting Sweeney at 12, though. Ever.

1.: Rolled an ankle badly IIRC.

2. Ian Foster, Supercoach.

 

[PaarlBok]

Important win for da Chiefs. The only game I watched on saturday.
Scrums: The Chiefs were strong here. I dunno what went wrong with Wiaan because he left the field early and the Cheetahs look strong in a few scrums but the Chiefs look promising. That big Maori guy with the tattos is one big piece of meat, May werent that great ;D
Lineouts: Thougt Juan Smith was great here for the Cheetahs. For some reason they replace David de Villiers who sure is their best lineout options. Think here is where the Brutes will give the Chiefs a hiding next week.
Breakdowns: Thought Brussouw was big once again. The moment he got yellowed I just knew it was game over for the Cheetahs. The Brutes wont be the same thread in this department.
Defense: I am still a bit sceptical in this regard with the Chiefs. Mind you I love that one big tackle on Viljoen from the 12. That was a big hit par excellense. You'll need that against the Brutes.
Attack: This is the Chiefs big weapon. They have to play quick and wide against the Brutes.

Summary: A great win I think and the perfect preperation for the big one on saturday. I said beforehand Donald would be the key for them and he nearly waiste it with two simple oppertunities. Fuck me you just have to dive over the line and ground the ball, sure my kid would have put up a better show then that. That two tries would have sealed it much earlier for the Chiefs.

The match against the Brutes will offer double points for both teams and THE game for the Chiefs. If they win this one they maybe sure of a home semi , make no mistake if they blow it , it can be costly.

The Tahs & Sharks fall on the weekend put them in pole position.

 

[PaarlBok]

Finally a Stormers win in the House of Pain. This win will set them up nicely for da Chiefs next week on Newlands. Already have my losie place book for this one to see my two favourate teams.

Think Blue will support us for a change next week. :fishing