Chiefs earn total respect
THE CHIEFS can no longer be denied the respect they deserve.
Outside of the Waikato-Bay of Plenty, there have been constant doubts about this team’s ability to back up last year’s success. Finishing top of the log wasn’t good enough.
‘‘A lot of people outside our little Chiefs’ circle probably weren’t sure if we were going to be able to do it, but we had a lot of belief throughout the whole year that, if we got our game right, we could test sides,’’ Chiefs first five-eighth Aaron Cruden said. ‘‘To go backto-back is pretty satisfying.
‘‘There’s always going to be critics; people saying you can’t do this or that. As a group we know our ability. We’ve got a lot of self belief. That’s definitely shown in the last couple of years. Next year we will be aiming for another one.’’
There is a real sense the Chiefs are only getting started. Coach Dave Rennie, in his usual humble manner, ducked praise and questions of a lack of respect for his team. But, after savouring a few well deserved cold ones, you can bet it won’t take Rennie long to start plotting the collective quest for a third successive title.
‘‘I don’t even care to be honest,’’ Rennie said of the respect factor. ‘‘It’s more about what happens in this group. We’re really satisfied. It’s a tough tournament. You’ve got to be consistent for long periods. Playing at home tonight made a difference.
‘‘ Dynasty is something you reflect back on. We’ve won a couple of titles. Next year it will be about realising how hard we’ve had to work to achieve this and trying to replicate that. We’ll worry about that after a couple of beers.’’
For 65 minutes the Chiefs had their backs to the wall. Character, attitude and effort – the hallmarks of this team – prevailed when it mattered most.
‘‘They showed why they are a championship team,’’ Brumbies coach Jake White said graciously. ‘‘They showed why they won last year and they showed why they came first in the whole competition by getting a home final.’’
The secret to the defending champions’ success is their squad depth. Rennie has the ability to not just call on, but rely on, his supposed second-tier personnel.
‘‘They are a special group. We got fantastic impact off the bench,’’ Rennie said. ‘‘That’s probably the key for us. There’s not much difference between them and the starters. They did a great job for us. In the end, that was probably the difference.’’
All Blacks flanker Sam Cane, prop Ben Afeaki, livewire halfback Augustine Pulu, midfielder Bundee Aki and utility Robbie Robinson were classic examples, leaping off the pine to help carry their team to glory.
‘‘It’s been nerve-racking times on the bench the last couple of weeks,’’ Cane said. ‘‘The competition we’ve got in this squad has made this last couple of years so successful. The guys that are on the bench have to get over not getting picked in the starting team pretty quickly, and realise your role is to train hard and come on and make an impact, without doing anything silly or spectacular.’’
Naturally, parting ways with inspirational co- captain Craig Clarke, Lelia Masaga, Richard Kahui, Toby Smith and Brendon Leonard will be difficult in the coming days. Clarke can be immensely proud of the legacy he leaves behind on his way to Ireland.
‘‘Right now I’m pretty relieved,’’ he said. ‘‘ Once we get into the shed, get around the boys and family, that sentimental stuff will sink in.’’
The final mention, though, must go to George Smith, the tireless Brumbies legend who was probably the best player on the park.
‘‘ He’s phenomenal. He’s 33-years-old,’’ White said. ‘‘He was man of the match last week. Today everyone is talking about his performance. He epitomises everything we’re trying to build. That’s his last game. We would have liked to give him the trophy.’’