Promising start – unless you’re a Chiefs fan
Things are humming in Super Rugby. It has found its groove, and a big thanks to a contingent of Aussie teams for their contributions – the Rebels, Waratahs and Brumbies. It’s going OK in Kiwi land too. No, the Chiefs aren’t a part of that discussion.
1. Damian McKenzie’s shift to fullback at the Chiefs had an air of inevitability about it.
It was just wasn’t working at No 10, where the All Blacks selectors have been nagging for him to get Super Rugby minutes in recent years. Will this jeopardise McKenzie’s place in the World Cup squad? Highly unlikely. Anyone stating otherwise should put back that extra slice of space cake. McKenzie’s ability to play No 10, No 15 and even on the wing offers versatility in the test squad.
2. Chiefs fans are a hardy bunch, but when presented with these dreadful stats they might elect to go on a long run to burn off the fury.
The Chiefs have conceded almost half as many points in four games as they did for the whole of the 2018 regular season. Oh, the horror. Last year the Chiefs had the third best defensive record in Super Rugby, conceding an average of 23 points per game during the round-robin. After four rounds they have already shipped 171 points at an average of almost 43 a game.
3. How curious it was to see a former All Black-turned-commentator tell us how great it was that Beauden Barrett had succeeded in kicking the winning penalty for the Hurricanes against the Highlanders last weekend.
Come on, give us a break. It was right in front of the sticks. We expect Barrett to nail those with a sack tied over his head. And so would the man himself.
4. Scott Robertson was surely searching for the drawing pins after Highlanders lock Josh Dickson placed the equivalent of a hot coal in the Crusaders forwards’ jockstraps with his statements this week.
Kudos to Dickson for saying the Highlanders pack can ‘‘dominate’’ the Crusaders. He may be right, and self-belief is key. But this sort of stuff is also a gift from heaven for opposition coaches; they search for a prominent spot on the wall of a meeting room and tack the article with the inflammatory comments (possibly highlighted) at eye level. Crusaders coach Robertson knows all the tricks of the trade. Paper hanging will be one of them this week.
5. Jackson Hemopo’s decision to go to Japan for the 2020-21 seasons underscores the problem NZ Rugby faces in terms of keeping talent after the World Cup.
Highlanders lock/No 6 Hemopo, 25, has made just three test appearances for the All Blacks and has the potential to add more at the global tournament. Soon he will be gone. It’s another example of New Zealand’s precious talent bolstering offshore markets.
6. Rebels halfback Will Genia has still got it.
The wee firecracker with the Don King-esque hairstyle was into everything during the second half of his side’s comeback win over the Brumbies last week. He was like former Wallaby great George Gregan at his best. A quick penalty tap for a try, getting under the ref’s skin with his yap and then cajoling his forwards.
7. More controversy for Sanzaar officials.
As Sharks centre Jeremy Ward went all WWF and cruelly flung the Bulls’ Rosko Specman into the