'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.”
View this post on Instagram
ADVERTISEMENT
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
Four Kiwis in that backline. A solid statement on the lack of invention, risk-taking and joy in the NH game; game of attrition and head- banging tedium. Longterm medical problems aplenty in the future!
1 Go to commentsGood article, I learnt quite a lot. A big sliding door moment was in the mid 00s when they rejected Steve Anderson's long term transformation and he wrote Ireland's strategy instead.
2 Go to commentsHi Dr Nick! I'm worried that I've started to enjoy watching England and have actually wanted them to win their last two games. What would you prescribe? On a more serious note, I've noticed that the standard of play in March is often better than early February. Do you think this is because of the weather or because the players have been together for longer?
10 Go to commentsMy question in all this brett is who is going to wear the consequences of these actions? Surely just getting the sack isn’t sufficient? A teenager working the till at woolies would probably get taken to court if they took $20 out of the till. You mean to tell me that someone can spend $2.6 million and get away with it? Where was it spent? What companies/people were the beneficiaries etc? How is it just being talked about as an ‘oopsie’ and we all just move on and not a matter of the court for gross negligence, fraud, take your pick…
18 Go to commentslove Manu too but England have relied on him coming back from injury for far too long and not sorted the position with someone else long term . It will be a blessing he has gone . Huge shame he was so injury prone . God speed Manu .
3 Go to commentsI agree with Ben Smith about Brett Cameron. The No. 6 position has to be a monster and a genuine lineout option, like Ollivon, Lawes (now Chessum), Du Toit, etc. The only player who fits that bill right now is Scott Barrett. A fit and fizzing Tuipolotu together with one of the young towers, Sam Darry or Josh Lord, would give Razor the freedom to play Barret at 6.
16 Go to commentsOutstanding article, Graham. Agree with all of it. And enjoy the style of writing too (particularly Grand Slap!).
2 Go to commentsI wouldn't pay a cent for that loafer. He just stands around, waiting for play to come his way. He won't make the Wallabies.
1 Go to commentsGood bit of te reo maori Nic. Or is that Niko or Nikora? On the theme of trees the Oaks v Totara. Game plan would be key. I have one but it would cost you.
10 Go to comments> Shaun Edwards’ You should not have to score 30 points to win a game, as exciting as it is. This statement was surprising to me. It is nonsensical .I guess it is a defence coach speaking. But head coach, defence and attacking coaches all work together. They are inseparable. You score more than the opposition to win. It only needs to be one score. You score whatever the game demands, whatever the opposition demand. You defend whatever it takes. The attack coach needs to be able to clock up 30pts if need be.
10 Go to commentsWho’d have thought, not having Farrell & Youngs kicking the ball at every possible opportunity and playing flat and allowing your centres to run and pass would pay off? No one could possibly have seen this coming. FML. It took a LONG time coming but at least that time has finally come. England need to find a backup to Lawrence. Freeman is the best candidate for me, I see no reason why he can't play 12. He's big, strong, fast and has great hands.
10 Go to commentsLove Manu but he's not the player he was and I imagine Bayonne have paid too much money for him.
3 Go to commentsNew Zealand have not beaten England since 2018 and even that was a pretty close shave.
1 Go to comments“a renewed focus on Scottish-qualified players” Scottish-qualified is another way of saying English. England has development more players for the Scotland national Rugby team in the last 4 years, than Scotland has.
2 Go to commentsThis sounds a lot like the old Welsh rugby proverb “Wales never lose. Other teams just score more points.”
5 Go to commentsFinally,at last, Borthwick has done what the whole of England have been crying out for. Ditch the kick chase and let the players have freedom to attack and run with the ball. It was great to see. Ford played really well and for the first time in ages was 5 yards closer to the gainline which then allowed a more attacking position . Pity it has taken 90 odd caps to do so. However, this has to continue and not be a false dawn . One issue. Marcus. With Ford having one really good game in 5 ,is he the answer long term . Smith puts bums on seats and is terrific to watch . How can you leave him out before he departs for France in disillusion . England are in danger of Simmons , Alex Goode , Cipriani , Mercer and now Smith being unable to get a selection ahead of “favourites” of the management regardless of form . Great to see England play so well .
2 Go to commentsCockerill was an abrasive player in the mould of a Georgian front rower who will have the respect of that pack. Looking forward to seeing what he can do with this exciting team, hopefully they can send a message to unions like Wales that money alone doesn't buy you wins.
2 Go to commentsI like the look of those July matches. Hopefully they'll get some good tests in November too.
2 Go to commentsThis is a poor article, essentially just trolling six nations teams
22 Go to commentsConnaught man? How you can write that without blushing.
6 Go to comments