Smith is galvanising Chiefs into champs

creates the idea that the individual is not as important as the team.

There’s been talk about how the Chiefs have won ‘‘ugly’’ through the opening fortnight of Super Rugby, and it was something they used to say about us. Togetherness takes you a long way, and it’s exemplified in a strong defensive system that comes from unity and communication.

It also shows in the unsung heroes – a guy feeling he’s appreciated within the team for doing a job that may not make the commentary.

And people feel it. Chiefs fans will recognise they’re watching a side that enjoys being together and wants to work as a unit to get results.

The other side of Smithy is the straight out rugby. You couldn’t get a more astute, thorough, precise tactician. And he’s good at getting guys to understand why. He’s an educator.

I’ve no doubt it’s why the Chiefs now set the standard in New Zealand rugby. And they’ll get better and better. In Wayne Smith teams, not everyone gets it straight away – but they do eventually.

A final thought on this coaching genius: Whoever was part of the group that gave him the flick from the All Blacks in 2001 should be ashamed. They didn’t do their homework, and it was a disgrace that put New Zealand rugby back a couple of years.

There’s a bit of pessimism around the Crusaders, especially with news Richie McCaw is out for eight weeks. But they’ve shown before they can cover for the loss of a world-best player, and they can do it again.

Matt Todd is highly capable and another couple of years on from last time he was in this position. And I’ve always thought Luke Whitelock had the look of a very good breakaway.

It’s too early to panic in Christchurch. They’re in a hole, and it’s going to be tough to win the New Zealand conference from here. But results will take care of themselves if performance levels come up.

As for the Hurricanes, I wouldn’t write them off yet either. That performance in Cape Town would have done a lot. They were very unlucky and should take some confidence into a tough game against the Brumbies on Friday.

But it’s already a very important game for them. Their season could go one of two ways, and Friday night may well tell us which path that is.