Reasons to be cheerful: It can’t get any worse
Super Rugby Aotearoa kicks off tomorrow night. The Herald will preview a team each day; today, the Chiefs
The down low:
The Chiefs come into 2021 already with one positive aspect to their campaign; they can't finish worse than they did a year ago.
Although they ended the 2020 season with an 0-8 record, their performances were better than their record showed; well, at least for the first half of the season. However, through injuries and their inability to close out games, they ended the season still waiting for their first Super Rugby Aotearoa win.
Despite the miserable record, there were some bright spots.
Lock Tupou Vaa'i emerged as one of the best young players in the country and ended the year as an All Black, while flanker Lachlan Boshier's stocks rose thanks in large part to his abilities at the breakdown. The two shape as key contributors this season, too, as the Chiefs look to put 2020 well behind them.
Clayton McMillan takes the reins this year on an interim basis in the absence of Warren Gatland, who is expected to be away with the British and Irish Lions.
Although it's a largely unchanged roster in terms of potential starters, there will be some competition for the first five-eighth jersey and on the wings. Players returning from injury means added competition for spots elsewhere with the No 8 jersey an area of particular interest.
With All Blacks experience in the form of Atu Moli, Angus Ta'avao, Nathan Harris, Vaa'i, Sam Cane and Luke Jacobson in the pack, and Brad Weber, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Damian McKenzie and Anton LienertBrown in the backline, the Chiefs have plenty of punch in their lineup to make some noise in the competition.
Defining factor: Loose trio
New year, same story for the Chiefs. A formidable loose trio has been their calling card for some time, and 2021 won't be any different. Cane is a sure starter, with Jacobson, Boshier, Pita Gus Sowakula and Mitchell Brown the candidates to fill the other two positions although Brown will likely find himself at lock for at least some of the campaign.
Sowakula has made himself known as a battering ram on attack from the back of the scrum, with his hardrunning style and nose for the goalline an asset from the set piece. However, it seems likely that it's an asset best used off the bench. Jacobson has previously mentioned his desire to get some reps in the No 8 jersey at Super Rugby level, while Boshier's breakout season in 2020 demands a spot in the starting side. Both players are dominant, physical tacklers and have the shown their prowess at the breakdown with their ability to get over the ball.
With Cane leading the way, the loose trio will be vital to the success of the Chiefs in 2021, laying the platform for the backs on attack and fronting up on the defensive end.
If there's a group of flankers in the competition who thrive off the physical side of the game more than their competition, it's this one.
Under-the-radar prospect: Josh Lord
For those who watched Taranaki play in the last Mitre 10 Cup season, tipping Lord as one to watch won't be all that surprising. A strong young lock who tackles with intent, runs the ball hard, has some passing ability and is a strong option at the set piece, there's a lot to be excited about by that small sample size. In a time where good locks seem to be at a premium, Lord finds himself in a system of competing youngsters with Vaa'i, Naitoa Ah Kuoi and Lachlan McWhannell all below the age of 23.
Vaa'i showed in 2020 what can happen when an opportunity presents itself, and it could only take a similar situation for Lord to stake his claim to a consistent role.