[2016 Super Rugby] Chiefs vs. Force (Round 5) 26/03/2016

[TRF_heineken]

Venue: FMG Stadium Waikato
Time: 08:35 CAT (SA, GMT+2)​

 

[Jaguares]

Chiefs starting XV:

1. Mitchell Graham
2. Hika Elliot
3. Siate Tokolahi
4. Michael Allardice
5. Taleni Seu
6. Tom Sanders
7. Sam Cane (c-c)
8. Michael Leitch
9. Brad Weber
10. Aaron Cruden (c-c)
11. James Lowe
12. Charlie Ngatai
13. Seta Tamanivalu
14. Sam McNicol
15. Damian McKenzie

Replacements:

16. Rhys Marshall , 17. Atu Moli , 18. Siegfried Fisi’ihoi** , 19. James Tucker , 20. Sam Henwood** , 21. Kayne Hammington** , 22. Stephen Donald , 23. Toni Pulu**

**denotes Super Rugby debut

 

[Jaguares]

Western Force

1. Pekahou Cowan
2. Heath Tessmann
3. Tetera Faulkner
4. Ross Haylett-Petty
5. Adam Coleman
6. Brynard Stander
7. Matt Hodgson (C)
8. Angus Cottrell
9. Alby Mathewson
10. Peter Grant
11. Semisi Masirewa
12. Solomoni (Junior Rasolea)
13. Ben Tapuai
14. Marcel Brache
15. Dane Haylett-Petty

Replacements:

16. Chris Heiberg , 17. Nathan Charles , 18. Jermaine Ainsley , 19. Sitiveni (Stevie) Mafi , 20. Ben McCalman , 21. Ryan Louwrens , 22. Ian Prior , 23. Albert Nikoro

 

[0tago]

Thanks Jag. With Cruden taking a backseat from kicking duties, I wonder how much his stock as an AB has gone down? He's got a great head on his shoulders, but I think the era of Sopoaga is upon us and I can see McKenzie being Ben Smiths future replacement and with Ben getting older, I can see McKenzie being a super sub at the next RWC and then the starter after.

 

[nzlizard]

Me and mates got tickets to the game, taking the kids, should be mint.

Hoping for a strong home game after the last home outing against the Lions.

 

[0tago]

Damo surely will get a run out for the AB's. He's the most naturally gifted player I've seen since Dan Carter, I love it he plays off his instincts as well, that's what makes the best the best. Expecting him to emulate what Carter did to the Lions in 2003 next year. He's our next 1 in a generation player. Fox, Merts, Carter, McKenzie, NZ always produce a 1 in a generation player every generation and I think Damo is it.

 

[Bada-Bing!]

Damo surely will get a run out for the AB's. He's the most naturally gifted player I've seen since Dan Carter, I love it he plays off his instincts as well, that's what makes the best the best. Expecting him to emulate what Carter did to the Lions in 2005 next year. He's our next 1 in a generation player. Fox, Merts, Carter, McKenzie, NZ always produce a 1 in a generation player every generation and I think Damo is it.

FTFY. 2nd test performance by DC against the Lions is the finest performance by a fly half we have seen in the professional era. I'll never forget it, even though I'm a massive Lions fan. If Damien Mackensie can surpass that I'll do a Paddy Ashdown and eat my hat.

 

[Adakins]

I only saw the highlights of the game but Damien just seems to be getting better and better, yes he still lacks some finer points but for a young guy he is pure talent. He has to be in the AB's this year same for Charlie, he has always been a good player and he seems to have stepped it up this year.

 

[0tago]

FTFY. 2nd test performance by DC against the Lions is the finest performance by a fly half we have seen in the professional era. I'll never forget it, even though I'm a massive Lions fan. If Damien Mackensie can surpass that I'll do a Paddy Ashdown and eat my hat.

Never said he'll surpass it, but I can sure see him tearing a new one in the Lions.

 

[Bada-Bing!]

Never said he'll surpass it, but I can sure see him tearing a new one in the Lions.

He missed a few kicks today. He's not there yet. Will keep an eye out for him though.

 

[0tago]

He missed a few kicks today. He's not there yet. Will keep an eye out for him though.

He didn't have his kicking boots on today, but he's kicked very well for the majority of the season and his attacking play has been exceptional, also I think his tactical kicking has improved a lot since last season. He's probably the hottest rising star in world rugby currently. I'd say he won't have kicking duties either vs the Lions if Sopoaga is starting, he will be playing at fullback cover for Ben Smith and can switch to 10 if we want to bring Barrett on at FB and sub Sopoaga.

 

[nzlizard]

Yeah Mckenzie has been in fine form and last night is just another tick for him, needs to work on the kicking a bit.

Ngatai is having a blinder this season and would have to be the form 12 so far, the 4 tries last night helped.

Expect both to get a call up for the training squad at the absolute least and both in all honesty should play some games this years for the AB's.

 

[InsaneAsylum]

Chiefs look like the team to beat this year. McKenzie and Ngatai are definite AB bolters. Also great to see Donald back in the red black any yellow.

 

[ratsapprentice]

How terrifying are the AB's potentially gonna be when Rennie is in charge?

 

[nzlizard]

Chiefs look like the team to beat this year. McKenzie and Ngatai are definite AB bolters. Also great to see Donald back in the red black any yellow.

Crowd went nuts when Beaver came on.

His first kick was off the post, however his last kick at end of game went over and the place roared.

 

[austingtir]

Id like to see some more of Mckenzie hes been good for sure but last year in that trial match he looked way out of place. I reckon he'd have to play even better than he has already to make the AB's Although that said we've seen nothing of Dagg and I reckon he's a spent force so Mckenzies in with a shot for sure.

And I reckon the Force were woeful in this match they look on a big downward spiral to me certainly not half decent like they were last year. They've been getting alot of points put on them this year they are second only to the kings in that regard.

 

[0tago]

Id like to see some more of Mckenzie hes been good for sure but last year in that trial match he looked way out of place. I reckon he'd have to play even better than he has already to make the AB's Although that said we've seen nothing of Dagg and I reckon he's a spent force so Mckenzies in with a shot for sure.

And I reckon the Force were woeful in this match they look on a big downward spiral to me certainly not half decent like they were last year. They've been getting alot of points put on them this year they are second only to the kings in that regard.

I really wouldn't be reading too much into that Maori All Blacks performance vs Fiji, if you did that, then half the guys that went to Samoa and stumbled to victory shouldn't have gone to the RWC.

 

[smartcooky]

Thanks Jag. With Cruden taking a backseat from kicking duties, I wonder how much his stock as an AB has gone down? He's got a great head on his shoulders, but I think the era of Sopoaga is upon us and I can see McKenzie being Ben Smiths future replacement and with Ben getting older, I can see McKenzie being a super sub at the next RWC and then the starter after.

Having watched the whole replay of this match, I think it is premature to talk about the demise of Aaron Cruden. His skill levels and head for the game was nothing short of superb in this match.

The two pieces of brilliance (one in each half) that stick in my mind are in this highlight reel



0:29 - Cruden's offload upwards off the ground at the end of a sweeping downfield passing movement which McKenzie started inside the Chiefs 22, took part in with a catch and pass, and backed up to score from that offload.

2:20 - Cruden's catch of a pass that was going to land behind him and at his feet, while he was simultaneously running and pirouetting to unload the last pass for Toni Pulu to score.

My descriptions don't do them justice. Just watch!

 

[0tago]

Superb. He's an outstanding player, I certainly have no doubts he's still top shelf. But I'm just being realistic about the All Blacks need for a kicking 1st 5. Since Crudes has hung the boots up for The Chiefs and Sopoaga established himself in SA last year and consistently performing for the Highlanders, I think he's in pole position to inherit the starting spot. Sopoaga and Cruden both bring different dynamics to the game, but Sopoaga's complete skill set have developed more than Crudens in my opinion. A part from perhaps some decision making, but with more exposure Sopoaga will develop that. Anyway we have great depth and options at 10, it's great!

 

[bazwaz]

@ Otago...if anything with McKenzie coming into All Blacks, Sopoaga will be falling even further down the pecking order...I like Sopoaga but I think like you say decision making isn't a strong suite and Ben Smith runs the Otago backline...
...don't think Cruden has hung up his boots as you say though, that's just delegation...and Hansen knows Cruden has a 100% winning record for all the games he's started for the ABs so don't expect short of injury for Cruden to be relinquishing the #1 spot...especially with the Chiefs leading the Super Rugby comp..