Super 15: Chiefs - Stormers in Hamilton (14-05-2011)

[Darwin]

Chiefs: Mils Muliaina (captain), Lelia Masaga, Richard Kahui, Dwayne Sweeney, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Stephen Donald, Brendon Leonard, Fritz Lee, Tanerau Latimer, Liam Messam, Romana Graham, Craig Clarke, Ben Afeaki, Hika Elliot, Toby Smith.
Reserves: Aled de Malmanche, Sona Taumalolo, Isaac Ross, Sam Cane, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Tim Nanai-Williams, Jackson Willison.

Only one change, with Latimer replacing the injured Scott Waldrom.

 

[Larksea]

shame, I'd realllly like to see Jackson Willison get a run at 12.

Good solid side, as long as latimer comes back ok and Donald has recovered some more they should really push the stormers if not win outright.

 

[Darwin]

shame, I'd realllly like to see Jackson Willison get a run at 12.

Good solid side, as long as latimer comes back ok and Donald has recovered some more they should really push the stormers if not win outright.

Unfortunately it sounds like Latimer has twisted his ankle in training today, so it is doubtful he will be available. If he is ruled out they could start Sam Cane at 7, but it sounds like Foster is considering bringing in Taiasina Tuifua at 6 and moving Messem to openside flanker.

 

[TRF_stormer2010]

Guess I'll have to back my boys to go 7+ even though I don't think its the smart bet.

STOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOORMMEEEERS!!

 

[Amobokoboko]

It was written in the Herald that Latimer would play ( checked it 30 min ago) and as it's the digital edition I expect it to be uptodate

 

[Darwin]

It was written in the Herald that Latimer would play ( checked it 30 min ago) and as it's the digital edition I expect it to be uptodate

Looks like Latimer has officially been ruled out this morning (http://www.stuff.co.nz/waikato-times/sport/4999137/Curse-of-No7s-hits-Chiefs).
Taiasina Tuifua is set to start at 6, with Messem moving to 7. Clearly they don't want to start Sam Cane against the physical Stormers loose-trio, given he is only 19. Tuifua will certainly add some size and physically to the pack, which may be just what is needed against the Stormers. He is also another lineout option (played almost all last season at lock for Counties) which will certainly be an advantage against the strong Stormers lineout. I'm a bit worried about how the Chiefs will go at the breakdown without a specialist 7. Messem should do a good job, but I feel he is much more effective when he is not stuck at the bottom of every breakdown.....

 

[Larksea]

should be a good game, chiefs have a real chance to trip the stormers up and give the blues some breathing room. If the chiefs win and the blues win this weekend there will be a clear leader in the comp for the first time this season.

easier said than done though

 

[Sam Owen]

Im going for the Stormers. Chiefs are a fantastic side we all know that but I dont think they've progressed enough to beat the Storm. Chiefs need to get to a corner to turn it, however I have been wrong many times before but thats my opinion.

 

[Bossco]

Two teams with two very talented backlines both of whom have yet to really fire. Would be great if we saw running rugby from both sides and the back three getting involved, know the chiefs will throw it around, hope the stormers won't regress backwards.

Picking the chiefs by 7.

 

[Amobokoboko]

Gooo Chiefs

 

[Shaggy]

Interesting that the Chiefs started the season playing two specialist open side flankers in the 6 & 7 jerseys, and they are going into this match with no specialist open side.

I'm picking the Chiefs by 3

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Chiefs getting rolled over



Gawd, I really hate Schalk Burger

 

[Getofmeland]

The Stormers forwards have been superb so far.

 

[TRF Mr Fish]

Chiefs look absolutely useless - probably their worst half of the year.

That being said, the ref needs to stop being so one eyed too.

 

[Getofmeland]

HT - Chiefs 3 - 20 Stormers!

Burger looks like the player of late which is worrying!

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Aplon's try was superb
Turned on just as he crossed the line so only just seen it on the halftime replays - did the Chiefs up a treat

 

[Bossco]

It's hard to gauge the Stormers performance because the Chiefs have been so bad, They aren't being helped by Dickinson but even then they are playing worse than a 2nd division side.

They have good players but poorly disciplined, poorly motivated and horribly coached, no game plan and no counter to the Stormers defense.

Aplons try was brilliant and Habanas tackle and turnover was great as well especially given his size. Just want to see a bit of a contest though, this is painful to watch thanks to the Chiefs.

 

[TRF_Ezequiel]

Man, penalty try and a yellow card for Aplon and several minutes later a lucky bounce and a try by Sivivatu. Chiefs right back in it now!

 

[Getofmeland]

Fantastic Game, thats been turned on its head!

 

[TRF_Olyy]

What was the Aplon card/try for?
Was making breakfast :lol: