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'No doubt a bit of a point to prove': Chiefs coach on Hutchinson's homecoming
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The Chiefs appear pretty chuffed with their off-season recruitment after another sensational showing from rookie fullback Isaac Hutchinson in Friday night’s tight loss to the Crusaders.
The big buzz around the Chiefs’ offseason moves was the signing of Kyren Taumoefolau, who had emerged as one of Super Rugby’s rising talents through his two seasons at Moana Pasifika. The 23-year-old wasn’t able to lock down his place in the matchday squad early in the season, but injuries to Leroy Carter, Emoni Narawa and Etene Nanai-Seturo opened the door, and the form he’s now come into is creating a big selection headache for when those established stars return, which is expected to be in the first week of the playoffs.
The impending outside back selection dilemma is only furthered by Hutchinson’s breakout since overcoming a knee injury in time for a Super Rugby debut at Super Round.
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Friday was the 22-year-old’s fourth game in Chiefs colours and third start. The fullback put in an electric performance under the One New Zealand Stadium roof, playing against his hometown team for the first time and producing winning plays across the park.
Chiefs head coach Jono Gibbes said his young star has a “good story” and suggested he was enthused about the chance to show the Crusaders what they had missed out on.
“Obviously, he suffered a horrific knee injury playing club rugby down here, and the support he got initially down here was really good for him. Then he transitioned up, continued his rehab with us, and the way he worked through that is a testament to the people that have helped him along the way, but also his attitude and his investment in that,” Gibbes said.
“To see him make his debut during Super Round, and now just grow every time he plays. I’m sure that was a special occasion for him and his family, and no doubt a bit of a point to prove or whatever that is. But I thought he acquitted himself really, really well.”
Hutchinson told RugbyPass at Super Round that his decision to move north to the Chiefs was about opportunity, and he’s now “thriving” in Hamilton.
“I decided it was time to start playing some serious footy, so jumped at the opportunity. It was really good to get away from home and get a bit of independence as well. So, it’s the best thing I could have done,” he said.
Shaun Stevenson’s departure from the Chiefs certainly presented an opening that doesn’t exist at the Crusaders, although there’s no shortage of talent competing to take the vacated No. 15 jersey. Hutchinson is the fourth Chief to start at fullback for the club in 2026.
One of those players who has lined up at 15 is Damian McKenzie, who missed Friday’s game through injury. Gibbes said that the All Black is responding well to concussion protocols after his head knock last week, but added an appearance in next week’s showdown with the Blues “might be too soon”.
Returning his attention to Friday’s loss, the coach said the game played out as expected, but felt his side didn’t get the “reward for effort” that results in wins.
“It’s pretty gutting to take a good team like that all the way to the very, very edge, just about kill them off and leave the door open. They were good enough to take that opportunity and get the win,” he reflected.
Gibbes agreed with the decisions his team made on the field, including stand-in captain Tupou Vaa’i’s decision to go for three points when the Chiefs were up by five points with five minutes remaining.
The issues Gibbes identified included the Chiefs’ ability to exit their 22 under pressure, and make the winning plays.
“The 50/22 (from Crusaders captain David Havili) was a pivotal moment, really. Was it a 50/22 or a 22/22? It was a monster. It just swung (the game).
“They threw a lineout, and we dropped the ball. Those two moments were just the little invitation they needed.
“Unfortunately, we threw a lot at it. We scored an awesome maul try, something that they pride themselves on; our scrum did a really good job. There’s some good stuff in there. But, disappointing, and we’ve just got to move on now.”
