Poised for a serious title tilt
achilles injury scratched him from last year’s campaign.
The loose forwards are strong, too, with Sam Cane fit from the get-go this time after a quality comeback last year from his broken neck. Gatland has named the 28-year-old as sole skipper this year, after four years as a co-captain.
Fellow All Black Luke Jacobson will return in a couple of weeks from the concussion that cruelly ruled him out of a maiden World Cup, offering versatility and plenty of punch to a group which features several solid performers and the addition of the power-packed Dylan Nel from Otago.
If the platform can be laid up front, then the Chiefs’ backline whets the appetite as seriously potent.
Halfback Brad Weber should be buoyed by last year’s All
Blacks recall, and Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi should have a point to prove, with some snappy service on offer for Cruden at first five-eighth.
After two seasons away, Cruden returns from France for a single-season stint before heading to Japan, and his experience, game-driving knowledge and touch of class will be a boon, so long as his body holds up well, after a few injury struggles at Montpellier.
His return means fellow playmaker Damian McKenzie can operate at fullback, where he looked outstanding on return last year before suffering the ruptured ACL knee injury which ruled him out of the World Cup.
Fit and firing, McKenzie will lead a dangerous back-three unit, where Shaun Stevenson will be looking to continue his hot late 2019 form, Solomon
Nathan Harris, Bradley Slater, Samisoni Taukei’aho, Ryan Coxon, Nepo Laulala, Atu Moli, Reuben O’Neill, Aidan Ross, Angus Ta’avao, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Tyler Ardron, Michael Allardice, Laghlan McWhannell, Lachlan Boshier, Mitchell Brown, Sam Cane (c), Luke Jacobson, Mitchell Karpik, Dylan Nel, Pita Gus Sowakula. Backs: Lisati Milo-Harris, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Brad Weber, Aaron Cruden, Tiaan Falcon, Kaleb Trask, Orbyn Leger, Anton LienertBrown, Tumua Manu, Alex Nankivell, Quinn Tupaea, Solomon Alaimalo, Damian McKenzie, Sam McNicol, Kini Naholo, Etene NanaiSeturo, Shaun Stevenson, Bailyn Sullivan, Sean Wainui.
Chiefs 2020 squad: Forwards:
Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Dylan Nel, Lisati MiloHarris, Aaron Cruden, Kaleb Trask, Quinn Tupaea, Kini Naholo.
Ins (contracted players):
Kane Hames, Sefo Kautai, Tevita Mafileo, Fin Hoeata, Daymon Leasuasu, Brodie Retallick, Mitchell Jacobson, Jesse Parete, Taleni Seu, Jonathan Taumateine, Jack Debreczeni, Stephen Donald, Marty McKenzie, Ataata Moeakiola.
$4.33
Alaimalo will be out to re-find his sublime touch from the year prior, and recent schoolboy sensation Kini Naholo – younger brother of former All Black Waisake – shapes as an electrifying prospect.
In between those halves and outside backs sits a potentially lethal midfield, where there is no shortage of options to partner the exceptional Anton LienertBrown. Tumua Manu impressed last year, Alex Nankivell has showed good glimpses and had a strong Mitre 10 Cup, while Waikato’s Quinn Tupaea, who was absurdly overlooked last season, looks like bursting into the spotlight.
All told, it’s a strong looking squad, particularly when comparing to the other Kiwi outfits and some of the big names they go into this year without.
Throw in the coaching smarts and there is a deserved whiff of what could be.
Outs (contracted or took the park in 2019): Liam Polwart,
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