Gatland loosies on the hunt
Expect the Chiefs to unleash their best when Super Rugby Aotearoa kicks off against the Highlanders in Dunedin on Saturday.
Apart from the Crusaders, the Sam Cane-led side are favorites to take out the title after 10-week competition.
Keen to make an impact again for the Waikato outfit is former Fijian basketball rep Pita Gus Sowakula.
The powerful loose-forward has been instrumental in the Chiefs campaign since he was named as an injury replacement in 2018. His impressive performance in 2019 earned him a fulltime spot and has been a regular starter for the team.
An outstanding feature for the Chiefs are their ferocious loosemen which includes Sowakula, Cane and Lachlan Boshier.
The 25 year-old Boshier a turnover machine before lockdown. In just five games, Boshier made 17 turnovers, the most in the competition. In amongst his thieving of the ball, he has also scored three tries and his tackle success rate was at 90 per cent.
The Chiefs coaching staff led by Warren Gatland have spoken over the last couple of weeks about how impressed they’ve been with the way their players have returned to training. They are in a great physical and mental state and they’ve been able to fast track their training to contact, because of the great condition the players are in.
McKenzie-Cruden Combo
While all the focus has been about Dan Carter and Beauden Barrett for the Blues, Chiefs match-winners Damian McKenzie and Aaron Cruden are just as capable or better.
The introduction of the golden point system will put the duo in the spotlight. They are both be capable of drop kicking their side to success in an extra-time scenario.
All Fit To Play
Gatland has confirmed he almost has a fully fit squad to choose from for their round one clash against the Highlanders. Prop Nepo Laulala is back fully training after recovering from a knee injury and flanker Luke Jacobson is good to go following ongoing concussion issues. It’s hoped Angus Ta’avao will be right for the second half of the competition as he recovers from a knee niggle. The Chiefs coaches will have their work cut out for them when it comes to selecting their loose forward trio. Boshier, Cane, Sowakula were all performing well earlier in the season and now with the addition of a fit Jacobson, there’s sure to be some selection headaches. McKenzie and Cruden will spearhead the backline which includes Brad Weber, Anton Lienert-Brown, Shaun Stevenson, Solomon Alaimalo, Tumua Manu and Sean Wainui. And All Blacks 7s playmaker Etene NanaiSeturo and who will be sure to add even more competition to the outside backs. Edited by: