'This isn't the Crusaders': Why the Chiefs have thrown caution to the wind and handed a surprise start to a rising talent
The first match-day squad for the Chiefs is far from the strongest on paper, but it again shows depth and an unfaltering confidence in unproven talent.
It would’ve been so easy for head coach Clayton McMillan to go with a more assured approach heading into a game that the Chiefs’ inner circle say is about putting pride back in the jersey.
The surprise package has got to be the inclusion of young loose forward Samipeni Finau. Born in Tonga, the 21-year old’s Super Rugby debut in the No 6 jersey feels ahead of time in many respects, but it’s also a tactic that the Chiefs are known for when it comes to selection at the beginning of new campaigns.
Chiefs head coach Clayton McMillan alluded to the fact that – at least initially – Finau was only named in the squad as injury cover and sat well down the overall pecking order.
But like Tupou Vaa’i, who was also picked out of seemingly nowhere last season, you get the feeling that rugby pundits could be talking much more about Finau if the Tongan-born lock-cum-flanker can live up to his undoubted potential.
Looking to use their bench as a weapon late in the game, starting the Super Rugby rookie was the clear preference for the Chiefs who will take to the field in Hamilton with an effective split between four experienced loose forwards available for selection, two in the starting XV and two off the bench.
McMillan might be a new coach at this level but has faith in the decision, opting to keep the two Mitchells – Brown and Karpik – who bring a combined 74-caps of experience to the fold, on the bench.
Finau won’t be a name lost on devout rugby followers in the Waikato. A New Zealand Under 20s representative and standout for his province in last season’s Mitre 10 Cup, the 21-year old is a strong ball carrier that possesses the defensive skill set that has impressed.
“He’s a big guy and he’s explosive,” McMillan says about his observations of Finau. “His ability to carry has been really impressive and defensively he has got a lot of hurt in his intentions.
“He’s been doing some stuff really well in the pre-season to warrant a starting opportunity and if he goes well it will present opportunities moving forward.”
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Like so many in the locker room, getting the likes of Finau experience at this level is likely part of the long-term plan. This isn’t the Crusaders – a side that Finau trained with last season but never had the opportunity to run onto the park for – there isn’t the luxury of having developed talent just waiting in the wings to come in and make an impact.
The Chiefs had their share of lineout issues in 2020 but recovered well enough under Bradley Slater, who impressed in behind Samisoni Taukei’aho. Taukei’aho, however, has seemingly taken over again as the first-choice pick.
Finau put in a lot of work in the lineout this week, taking reps alongside Vaa’i and Luke Jacobson who join Naitoa Ah Kuoi as the likely throw receivers.
Coming off an 0-8 season and desperate to make a statement, putting faith in the fresh Finau for the first game (not a must-win, but critical to get the side off to the start they need to be genuine contenders) should speak volumes to the mindset inside Chiefs HQ.
The selection isn’t a cynical one. It’s the case of a team willing to blood reasonably new talent sooner rather than later and also put a huge amount of faith in experience to come off the bench and make that dividing impact when the game is on the line.
Relaxed though he may be, Lachlan Boshier knows the beating that his body will have to take in order to get the job done for the Chiefs in Super Rugby Aotearoa. #SuperRugbyAotearoa https://t.co/teN7tL6ytJ
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) March 1, 2021
Given context of where the Chiefs were at last season – it’s an almighty ballsy approach that shows the team knew that they weren’t too far off the pace at all.
In classic Chiefs fashion, the franchise does come into its season-opener carrying a few niggles, some of which have undoubtably had an impact on the shape of the matchday XV.
The biggest omission is Lachlan Boshier who is ruled out with a minor foot niggle.
Whilst the superstar loose forward from 2020 would’ve been selected had the Chiefs desperately required his services, managing Boshier’s workload and ensuring that he’s 100% upon return after a grueling last season will be paramount to his longevity this season.
Another brow-raising omission is Nathan Harris – seemingly overlooked after being left off the injury list and not mentioned at all in todays squad announcement. A long term plan to getting Harris back in genuine contention for the match-day squad is in place after the veteran hookers long stint on the sideline.
Friday’s match between the Chiefs and the Highlanders kicks off at 7:05pm on Friday evening (NZT) from Waikato Stadium. All the action will be streamed live on RugbyPass for subscribers who have purchased a Super Rugby Aotearoa season pass in the UK, Ireland, France and other major territories.
Comments on RugbyPass
A Turtle has more pace and leg drive than Owen Franks, so it’s a good thing he only had to run 90 metres for that try.
2 Go to commentsOh Tamati Tua was in the vastly over-rated Leon MacDonalds Blues system? Well, no wonder he was wasted, much like Emoni Narawa and Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens under MacDonald. now look at them. Good thing Tua isn’t eligible, the Aussies latch on to any player who isn’t tied down.
2 Go to commentsMark Telea is a lot of things, but a defensive juggernaut has never been one of them. There will be far bigger tests in that regard for the youngster.
10 Go to commentsLove and respect to Fiji but not a chance outside of 7s
4 Go to commentsGood summation Ned. Agree the Canes were out-muscled for once (except at the scrum!) by a focused Brumbies outfit. Tua deserves consideration for higher honors after the way he humbled Jordie and the Canes defense. Thankfully, his lack of eligibility for Oz keeps him from Joe’s plans. While I also agree the injuries affected the Canes performance, some players seemed to lack focus and intensity for this match. Perhaps after the Blues demolished the Brumbies, they thought it was going to be easy? A good reminder that any slip up in preparation can have a big affect on the result. Brumbies deserved that win.
2 Go to commentsKarl Dixon should never have been appointed this fixture, absolute disgrace, He’s not much of a referee anyway, didn't have the balls to send his mate care off
5 Go to commentsBrilliant article! Harry of 8/9
1 Go to comments‘UK athletes' have been in the NFL from the start.
1 Go to commentsIt’s going to be Scott Barrett. He’s the coaches mate and captain of a previously elite team. Ardie a great option but scooter has worked with the coach and Ardie still as big a leader as needed.
23 Go to commentsI commend Colin Scotts bio All Balls. He was the first Aussie to make it to NFL. But he was poached and did a full apprenticeship at the University of Hawaii. He was 130kgs surfed played 1st grade cricket etc. big guy by normal but not NFL standards and a top athlete. Even then the nfl were picking up Tongans and Samoans for their natural size and explosive power. They want explosive power not cardio from the big boys so a guy like Taniela Tupou would have been good if picked up young enough. He has fast twitch and they’d bulk the little lad up and give him something to do. soccer teams set up academies and look for Over Sara’s talent eg Messi was at Barcelona since a teenager and harry kewell went to Leeds as a teenager like 16 or something.
11 Go to commentsThe article alludes to the fact that this isn’t about picking a captain. But picking a great captain. So who would make for a great All Black captain - not just an obvious or safe shoo-in? I’m not sure Ardie’s the guy and Barret doesn’t stand out either.
23 Go to commentsI guess we may all agree on the fact, that the ABs and Boks are the two in contest for No 1 in rugby history (the triple-A sort of) …. the Wallabies, England and France are the next tier, with Ireland being the new kid in town (AA) …. in my view it makes little sense creating imaginary competitions (unless you have too much time to waste)
45 Go to commentsWhat a joke. Total joke and the pundits commentating, all of whom know a bit about the game, could barely disguise their contempt. Reaching for the card then pulling back when he realised a red card would carry further match suspensions is simply not his decision to make. A clear and obvious influence on the outcome of this match and indeed, the championship path.
5 Go to commentsI like the idea, in NZ the Ranfurly Shield and NPC coexist, both having their own bragging rights. The World Cup would be the pinnacle, but the competition and travels of these trophies would be interesting.
45 Go to commentsDon’t worry Sonny bill Williams leave that awkward situation about the curfew in the pass whoever it was it doesn’t matter its no big deal we back our All Blacks through the storm and the thunder until we see the Sun light again.
42 Go to commentsWho listens to this retard? He was a massive liability as a player but obviously a media sensation
42 Go to commentsI’m not surprised by such ‘virtue signalling’ by Sonny Boy. Butter wouldn’t melt in his mouth. He’s such a pious Islamic muppet, imo.
42 Go to commentsI’ve actually never heard of the guy (then I don’t watch League as it is boring). But if he is good enough.. then good luck to him. If not, well, he can always return to league.
2 Go to commentsIt is pretty clear that by almost any measure that NZ are a more successful rugby nation than South Africa. Quite aside from the distasteful events during the last RWC final. NZ lead SA in all significant measurements.
45 Go to commentsDickson went to his pocket for a card, saw who it was, changed his mind and spoke at length to TMO. One angle clearly shows Care diving over a Saints player to kill the ball. 1st yellow, reason given for not Red was player was falling backwards. He was only falling backwards after contact with Lawes. Graham try should have stood. Mitchell did not have both hands on the ball, ball went forward from a Saints boot dragging over it. 2 intentional knock-on's. One of which had an overlap on the outside. If Quins are happy to win by intentional foul play, then it does not say much for them. Would appear to be a bad day for Karl Dickson, also for the RFU in appointing a Ref who spent 8 years as a player at one of the clubs.
5 Go to comments