STRENGTHS: THE DYNAMIC DUO
Aaron Cruden and Damian McKenzie; call them the spark plugs. Much of the impetus for the Chiefs last year came from young McKenzie. How quickly we forget. McKenzie was arguably the most captivating player. His breaks from the back, goalkicking and courage were there for all to see. Now McKenzie may not have enjoyed the smoothest of transitions to the international arena. First he had to wait what must’ve seemed like an age from June to his debut in Argentina – some four months later – and then started at fullback against Italy in Rome. Test rugby has tested his size, and it will be interesting to see if McKenzie has the same impact and confidence as he did in 2016.
In combination with Cruden, McKenzie will share the playmaking duties. Expect the pair to slide in and out of first receiver, causing havoc when the right players hit the right angles at pace around them. Cruden, in what could be his last season for the Chiefs, will be hungry to prove a point after slipping behind Beauden Barrett.
Modern rugby needs dual directors and the Chiefs certainly have that base covered. The challenge for Rennie will be keeping them both on the park. Inside them the Chiefs also have two contrasting halfbacks. Tawera Kerr-Barlow’s aggressive presence and test experience combined with Brad Weber’s speed will be mixed and matched depending on the opposition. Despite the loss of Manu, the Chiefs’ propping stocks also seem sound. Kane Hames, Mitchell Graham, Nepo Laulala and Atu Moli offer power and variety on both sides of the scrum.