CHIEFS

Tuesday 30th January 2007

Of all the New Zealand teams, the Chiefs are the ones who have not really made it. The North Islanders are almost the step-children of the posher outfits.

In the past they have had moments and they have had intentness. They just lacked the pressure points that make for greatness.

But the Air New Zealand Cup champions, who are always a tough side to beat, showed their are ready to shake off that tag ... of also-rans.

Their defensive stats last year ranked in the top three of the Super 14, but it is their offensive game that let them down. This should change with the inclusion of Richard Kahui at outside centre, a player who fits the Conrad Smith mould.

For those of you who watched the play in the Air New Zealand Cup last year, he was unstoppable. The Chiefs look the New Zealand team in the best position without their All Blacks, and so will be strong contenders for a semi-final berth.

Expect them to be outstanding and very competitive at home in Hamilton. But there is the chance that they could lose focus and composure on the road.

Strengths: They give every impression of playing with strength and intent as epitomised by Jono Gibbes and Byron Kelleher. They now appear to have more force on attack.

Weakness: Perhaps their poor track record on the road. the lack of a sharp edge of speed of foot and hands, perhaps the lack of the spirit of adventure - just perhaps these are the inhibiting factors that become weaknesses.

Noteworthy signings: Aled de Malmanche (new from the Air NZ Cup side), Richard Kahui (Highlanders), Roy Kinikinilau (Highlanders), Tanerau Latimer (Crusaders), Tasesa Lavea (on draft), Keith Robinson (back from injury), Dwayne Sweeney (new from the Air NZ Cup side), Tane Tu'ipulotu (on draft).

Noteworthy losses: Loki Crichton (Newcastle Falcons), David Hill (Bristol), Deacon Manu (Llanelli Scarlets), Mark Ranby (Japan), Sam Tuitupou (Blues).They will also be without All Blacks Byron Kelleher, Malili Muliaina and Sitiveni Sivivatu for the first eight weeks of the tournament.

Coach: Ian Foster, a foundation Chief, took the side to a historic first ever semi-final appearance during his first season as boss in 2004, but hasn't been able to work the same magic since. He will be hoping to build on the success of Waikato in the Air New Zealand Cup.

Captain: Just a glance at Jono Gibbes tells a story of hard concentration and determination. He is one of those players who does not have quite enough of any one attribute but uses all that he has with utter loyalty and effort. Men rally to him.

Player(s) to watch: In the absence of their All Blacks the steel in the team will come from Jono Gibbes, while Richard Kahui would like to prove he was worth the top dollar they paid for him.

2006 Position: 7th
Best finish: 4th in Super 12 in 2004
Worst finish: 11th in Super 12 in 1996
Home Venue: Waikato Stadium, Hamilton (Capacity 26,350)

2007 Prediction: They will come close this year, but they will most likely fall short ... just. 5th

Chiefs squad: Jono Gibbes (captain), Sosene Anesi, Steven Bates, Ben Castle, Simms Davison, Aled de Malmanche, Stephen Donald, Marty Holah, Richard Kahui, Byron Kelleher, Roy Kinikinilau, Tanerau Latimer, Sione Lauaki, Tasesa Lavea, Brendon Leonard, Toby Lynn, Lelia Masaga, Liam Messam, Malili Muliaina, Jamie Nutbrown, Kristian Ormsby, Keith Robinson, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Dwayne Sweeney, Niva Tau'auso, Anthony Tahana, Tane Tu'ipulotu, Craig West, Nathan White, Murray Williams, Tom Willis.

Schedule:

3 February: v Brumbies, home
9 February: v Hurricanes, home
17 February: v Stormers, away
25 February: v Bulls, away
3 March: v Cheetahs, away
9/10 March: BYE
16 March: v Lions, home
24 March: v Reds, away
31 March: v Blues, home
7 April: v Highlanders, away
14 April: v Western Force, home
21 April: v Sharks, home
27 April: v Waratahs, away
4 May: v Crusaders, away

By James White