The fitter and faster former Crusader that's now a permanent fixture on the Chiefs wing
Chiefs outside back Sean Wainui has made a clear and obvious statement of intent throughout 2020’s mixed year of rugby, and it’s something that will serve the proud Maori well as his journey continues.
The 24-year old is in career-best form and has flicked the switch in 2020 after a few seasons going through the motions.
Back in January, Wainui talked of cementing his spot on the wing but strong performances from the likes of Shaun Stevenson and the ever-improving talents of Solomon Alaimalo and Etanie Nanai-Seturo made one thing crystal clear.
Hard work at each and every training session would be required in order to get the starts over his teammates, but that was only the first piece of the puzzle for Wainui. When getting that precious game time, especially when in the starting XV, making things happen would require a certain amount of intent with the ball in hand.
So far in Super Rugby Aotearoa, Wainui has certainly shown that attribute and it has resulted in strong performances out on the right-wing.
“I’m really going hard, this year I’m a lot fitter and a bit faster so I’ve found more energy around the park and I’m really enjoying the game time,” Wainui told RugbyPass.
Down to around 101kg, a mere four kilos down from his previous weight, the extra energy Wainui has in the tank has helped with confidence for the 24-year old, knowing his body can put in the hard yards and spark counter attacks with decent pace deeper into matches.
On the park, the intent from Wainui is clearly noticeable, but it wasn’t always this way.
In previous seasons, Wainui would make quick decisions to shift the ball on and play a more supportive role, whereas Super Rugby Aotearoa has seen Wainui attack the line and carry hard on far more occasions, often spotting gaps and rarely failing to exploit the opportunity.
“I’m trying to get in with Damian and run off him, but it’s also about that real game intensity when I come into to the game I have a clear mind, run hard and always try and do the right thing for the team.”
As a unit, the Chiefs lead Super Rugby Aotearoa in carries (544) and Wainui finds himself in the top three of his teammates in this category, beaten only by Damian McKenzie and the ever-impressive loose forward Pita Gus Sowakula.
For Wainui, each day is both an opportunity and a challenge. With a stacked backline of talented players who are all fit and eager to impress in the four games left, Wainui’s big goal is to remain firmly in the starting role.
“We’ve got a lot of outside back talent here and the competition is awesome. Every training I come to I want to do the best I can because you don’t know if you’ll get the start each week but every day I come in and work had to ensure I’m cementing my spot so it’s really made me improve and get more competitive.”
Rugby fans may have fallen in love with the concept of #SuperRugbyAotearoa, but two of the competition's star players have described the competition as unsustainable.https://t.co/AOQWbLG6lB
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) July 15, 2020
With Wainui, it’s also all about balance. A proud father of young baby boy Kawarika, the 24-year old has been noticeably more well-rounded in the Chiefs camp since having to devote more time to fatherhood, but it’s the clarity about taking his game to the next level which is showing dividends in his professional role.
Feedback from Chiefs coach Warren Gatland has been positive with praise of Wainui’s work rate while putting a spotlight on game intensity and ensuring the 24-year old comes into each match with a clear mind.
For the here and now, Wainui is excelling with the Chiefs after a couple of years getting to grips with an ever-changing environment after making his debut for the Waikato-based franchise in 2018, ironically against his former team, the Crusaders.
In terms of what’s next for the 24-year old of proud Maori heritage, getting the attention of All Blacks coach Ian Foster isn’t the primary aim, but pulling on the black jersey is certainly a goal to tick off down the line.
“Obviously, for every New Zealand kid, that’s the dream. I’ve always had that in the back of my mind but right now I’m taking it week by week to do the best I can and try to get on the field for the Chiefs each week”.
If Wainui continues to perform like he is, the All Blacks outside back woes could just increase for national selectors.
All that’s left for now is to get the Chiefs a win in Super Rugby Aotearoa.
Comments on RugbyPass
The value he brought to the crusaders as an assistant was equal to what he got out of being there. He reflected not only on the team culture but also the credit he attributed to the rugby community. Such experience shouldn’t be overlooked.
3 Go to commentsGood luck Aussie
10 Go to commentssmith at 9 / mounga 10 / laumape 12 / fainganuku 14
37 Go to commentsBar the injuries, it’s pretty much their top team …
2 Go to commentsDon’t disagree with much of this but it appears you forgot Rodda and Beale, who started at the Force on the weekend.
10 Go to commentsExcept for the injured Zach Gallagher this would be Saders best forward pack for the season. Blackadder needs to stay at 7, for all of Christies tackling he is not dominant and offers very little else. McNicholfullback is maybe a good option, Fihaki not really upto it, there was a reason Burke played there last year. Maybe Havilli to 2nd five McLeod to wing. Need a strong winger on 1 side to compliment Reece
1 Go to commentsTo me TJ is clearly the best 9 in the competition right now but he's also a proven player off the bench, there's few playmaking players who can come off the bench as calm and settled as he is, Beauden can, TJ can and I doubt any of the scrumhalves in contention can, if they want to experiment with new 9s I want him on the bench ready to step in if they crumble under the pressure. The Boks put their best front row on the bench, I'd like to see us take a similar approach, the Hurricanes have been doing similar things with players like Kirifi.
37 Go to commentsROG has better chance to win a WC if he starts training and make himself eligible as a player. He won’t make the Ireland squad but I reckon he may get close with Namibia (needs to improve his Afrikaans) or Portugal. Both sides had 1000:1 odds to win the RWC in 2023 which is an improvement on ROG’s odds of winning a RWC as a coach. Unlike Top 14 teams, national teams can’t go shopping and buy the best players - you work with the available talent pool and turn them into world beaters.
3 Go to commentsthat backline nope that backline is terrible why would you have sevu Reece when he’s not even top 5 wingers in the comp why have Blackadder when there’s better players no Scott barret isn’t an automatic the guy is more of a liability than anything why have him there when you have samipeni who’s far far better
37 Go to commentsAh, good to find you Nick. Agree with everything about Cale. So much to like about his game
49 Go to commentsNot too bad. Questions at 6, lock and HB for me. The ABs will be a lot stronger once Jordan and Roigard return. Also, work needs to be made to secure Frizzell back for next season and maybe also Mo’unga; they’re just wasting time playing in japan
37 Go to commentsOn the title, i wonder for many of those people it is a case something like a belief in working smarter, not harder?
1 Go to commentsForget Sotutu. One of those whose top level is Super Rugby. Id take a punt on Wallace Sititi Finau ahead of Glass body Blackadder.
37 Go to commentsI’m a pensioner so I've been around a bit. My opinion of SBW is he is an elite athlete and a great New Zealander and roll model. He has been to the top and knows what he's talking about. To all the negative comments regarding SBW the typical New Zealand way, cut that tall poppy down.
17 Go to commentsI'm not listening to a guy moralise over others when this is the guy who walked out mid season on Canterbury RLFC when he had a contract with them, what a hypocrite. All the Kiwis sticking up for this unprincipled individual because they can't accept justified criticism, he has zero credibility or integrity. Those praising him are a joke.
17 Go to commentsI’d put Finau at 6 instead of Blackadder but that’s the only change I’d make. Can’t wait to see who Razor picks.
37 Go to commentsTamati Williams, Codie Taylor, and Same Cane? Not sure about Hoskins Sotutu at test level. Wasn’t that impressive last season. Need a balance between experience and talent/youth.
37 Go to commentsInteresting insight. Fantastic athlete, and a genuine human being.
17 Go to commentsThey played at night in Suva last weekend and it’s an afternoon game forecast for 19 degrees in Canberra this weekend. Heat change is a non issue.
2 Go to commentsWishing Rosie a speedy recovery
1 Go to comments