Waldrom & Triggs join Chiefs Super 15 squad

[Intercept King JDV]

Hurricanes and former All Black open-side flanker Scott Waldrom and Otago lock Hayden Triggs will join the Chiefs next year for the first ever Super 15.

Most players have been locked in to New Zealand Rugby as next year is a Rugby World Cup year so most player movements will be between squads.

"There's certainly no big name leaving and at the moment it's unlikely there will be a big name coming," Chiefs head coach Ian Foster told the Waikato Times.

"I don't think you're going to see an immense amount of player movement [at that level] but what you're going to have is that next level that would often move in the draft are going to start moving contractually," he said.

Bay of Plenty open-sider Luke Braid has switched allegiances to join his brother at the Blues and Taranaki lock/loose forward Jarrad Hoeata, who was a draft player for the Chiefs this year will be moving to the Highlanders.

The Chiefs lost Kevin O'Neill, No8 Sione Lauaki, five-eighth Callum Bruce and halfback Junior Poluleuligaga so they need to make some replacements at lock/loose forward, in the midfield and at halfback.

In the second row Chiefs Craig Clarke and Culum Retallick are both signed up and with Triggs now part of the squad there is room for either two locks or a lock and a lock/loosie.

Coach Foster who will leave the Chiefs at the end of next season is looking for a replacement for Callum Bruce and is hoping that Jackson Willison might be his man.

Of the five-eighths who can play 10 and 12, Bay of Plenty's Mike Delany is due to return to action next week after a long-term recovery from shoulder surgery and Waikato's Stephen Donald in a few weeks.

Squads sizes will be increased for the Super 15 by four players which will be a third hooker and third halfback, or at least players who can cover those positions if not specialists.

In the prop department there is an embarrassment of riches as Ben May is due back next week and James McGougan having recently returned.

Ben Afeaki will be back for his second season and Sona Taumalolo for his third. Add in Toby Smith and Nathan White and there are six props with legitimate claims for places.

Source 1234

 

[Darwin]

Slightly disappointed that Triggs has left the Highlanders. I never used used to rate him ,as he used to play far too loosely, but has tighten up his game (finally) and now he's leaving. He's not a huge loss, as he was only the third choice lock in the Highlanders (behind Donnelly and Bekhuis), and it will allow Tuineau to get some gametime at this level. Great to see Hoeata coming to the Highlanders, as he is the sort of hard-working player we need, and can cover 6,8 and lock.

A bit surprised Waldrom has moved - admittedly he was the second choice 7 for the Hurricanes (behind Lowe) , but he still be second choice 7 for the Chiefs (behind Latimer).

 

[markshaw]

I think the Chiefs will sign Berlow as their back up halfy?

 

[nickdnz]

Slightly disappointed that Triggs has left the Highlanders. I never used used to rate him ,as he used to play far too loosely, but has tighten up his game (finally) and now he's leaving. He's not a huge loss, as he was only the third choice lock in the Highlanders (behind Donnelly and Bekhuis), and it will allow Tuineau to get some gametime at this level. Great to see Hoeata coming to the Highlanders, as he is the sort of hard-working player we need, and can cover 6,8 and lock.

A bit surprised Waldrom has moved - admittedly he was the second choice 7 for the Hurricanes (behind Lowe) , but he still be second choice 7 for the Chiefs (behind Latimer).

He's played pretty well at 6. Maybe fancies his chances at playing blindside with Latimer at 7 and Messam at 8 (seeing as Lauaki is now playing for Clermont and Luke Brain has gone to the Blues).

 

[ranger]

He's played pretty well at 6. Maybe fancies his chances at playing blindside with Latimer at 7 and Messam at 8 (seeing as Lauaki is now playing for Clermont and Luke Brain has gone to the Blues).

I dont think theres much chance of that happening with Colin Bourke playing so well and Messam playing his best rugby at 6.
Ive heard a rumour that Scott Waldrom burnt some bridges during his stint with the Crusaders a few years ago. Mark Hammett was part of that setup and now hes coaching the Canes, maybe Waldrom would simply rather be the second choice openside at the Cheifs than under Hammett. but thats just speculation.

 

[Amobokoboko]

It looks like it will be a very exciting season. Is Masaga still playing for the Chiefs

 

[nickdnz]

I dont think theres much chance of that happening with Colin Bourke playing so well and Messam playing his best rugby at 6.
Ive heard a rumour that Scott Waldrom burnt some bridges during his stint with the Crusaders a few years ago. Mark Hammett was part of that setup and now hes coaching the Canes, maybe Waldrom would simply rather be the second choice openside at the Cheifs than under Hammett. but thats just speculation.

Good call, forgot about Bourke. It'd have thought he'd rate his chances of doing better than Lowe to get a starting spot, than doing better than Latimer.

 

[jbremer]

More depth for an already impressive chiefs pack. This is their year no dout. Tons of depth, but Im concerned about there midfield. Who is heading in for cover in the centers. I was hoping to see Mike D. take over at fly and then see donnald at 2nd five 8s. Does anyone know if Christian Leleaphono is going there for the S15 campain as well?

 

[ranger]

More depth for an already impressive chiefs pack. This is their year no dout. Tons of depth, but Im concerned about there midfield. Who is heading in for cover in the centers. I was hoping to see Mike D. take over at fly and then see donnald at 2nd five 8s. Does anyone know if Christian Leleaphono is going there for the S15 campain as well?

Nah Lealifano is only around to get some gametime because there is no domestic competition in Australia. Hes going back to the Brumbies next year.. Its a real shame though because he is looking very classy for Waikato, i would have loved to see him stick around and play his rugby in New Zealand.

 

[Candyman]

No great loss for the Highlanders!! Didn't really rate Triggs! I feel the Highlanders still have plenty of cover in the locking department with Tom Donnelly, Josh Bekhuis & Joe tuineau!! far better players I feel!

 

[Larksea]

triggs could be a real asset, though Toby Lunn is back in form again after missing out on the chiefs squad last year. Wasn't big on Triggs but he looks in better shape this year and I was very impressed with him with the Maori games he was in. I think by the end of those games he was the best lock in the Maori Squad.

Waldrom is an interesting one, on ITM cup form when he's been fit I think he's actually been a better player than Latimer, he's just had a bit extra intensity to his game - really throws himself into things where Latimer is a much more calculated player. lat's Messam & Bourke were an awesome combo for the chiefs last easily one of the best combo's in the super14 messam in particular was the chiefs player of the season. Really what held the chiefs back was Lauaki being so hot and cold and major injury problems in the tight 5.

 

[Darwin]

triggs could be a real asset, though Toby Lunn is back in form again after missing out on the chiefs squad last year. Wasn't big on Triggs but he looks in better shape this year and I was very impressed with him with the Maori games he was in. I think by the end of those games he was the best lock in the Maori Squad.

Waldrom is an interesting one, on ITM cup form when he's been fit I think he's actually been a better player than Latimer, he's just had a bit extra intensity to his game - really throws himself into things where Latimer is a much more calculated player. lat's Messam & Bourke were an awesome combo for the chiefs last easily one of the best combo's in the super14 messam in particular was the chiefs player of the season. Really what held the chiefs back was Lauaki being so hot and cold and major injury problems in the tight 5.

I'm yet to be convinced about having Messem and Bourke in the same loose forward trio - individually both are quality players, but are both very similar. During the Maori internationals this year I felt the loose forward trio was more successful with Hoeata in it, who is less dynamic, but has possibly a higher workrate. Much I suppose will depend on who is involved in the Chiefs tight-five - if they can gain parity with their opposition, Bourke and Messem could cause all sorts of trouble.

 

[TRF Mr Fish]

So a Chiefs squad will look something like...
Props: Afeaki, May, McGougan/Smith/White, Taumalolo
Hookers: de Malmanche, Elliot
Locks: Clarke, Graham/Lynn, Retallick, Triggs
Loosies: Bourke, Latimer, Messam, Setephano, Waldrom
Halfbacks: Kerr-Barlow, Leonard, Moa
First Fives: Delany, Donald
Midfield: Kahui, Tokula, Willison, Burleigh/Renata
Outside Backs: Anesi, Masaga, Muliaina, Nanai-Williams, Sivivatu, Sweeney

With an additional loosie, possibly one different lock and halfback too, in place of Graham and Moa, who I'm unsure of.

Also it's basically a toss up between Anesi, Burleigh and Renata for that last two backs spots. Donald will be playing at 12 most of the time, I hope, meaning there might not be any room for Burleigh. But then again, they could go with Renata anyway - who knows?

 

[nickdnz]

So a Chiefs squad will look something like...
Props: Afeaki, May, McGougan/Smith/White, Taumalolo
Hookers: de Malmanche, Elliot
Locks: Clarke, Graham/Lynn, Retallick, Triggs
Loosies: Bourke, Latimer, Messam, Setephano, Waldrom
Halfbacks: Kerr-Barlow, Leonard, Moa
First Fives: Delany, Donald
Midfield: Kahui, Tokula, Willison, Burleigh/Renata
Outside Backs: Anesi, Masaga, Muliaina, Nanai-Williams, Sivivatu, Sweeney

With an additional loosie, possibly one different lock and halfback too, in place of Graham and Moa, who I'm unsure of.

Also it's basically a toss up between Anesi, Burleigh and Renata for that last two backs spots. Donald will be playing at 12 most of the time, I hope, meaning there might not be any room for Burleigh. But then again, they could go with Renata anyway - who knows?

I'm pretty sure Anesi will still be with the Waratahs.

 

[T-Rex]

So a Chiefs squad will look something like...
Props: Afeaki, May, McGougan/Smith/White, Taumalolo
Hookers: de Malmanche, Elliot
Locks: Clarke, Graham/Lynn, Retallick, Triggs
Loosies: Bourke, Latimer, Messam, Setephano, Waldrom
Halfbacks: Kerr-Barlow, Leonard, Moa
First Fives: Delany, Donald
Midfield: Kahui, Tokula, Willison, Burleigh/Renata
Outside Backs: Anesi, Masaga, Muliaina, Nanai-Williams, Sivivatu, Sweeney

With an additional loosie, possibly one different lock and halfback too, in place of Graham and Moa, who I'm unsure of.

Also it's basically a toss up between Anesi, Burleigh and Renata for that last two backs spots. Donald will be playing at 12 most of the time, I hope, meaning there might not be any room for Burleigh. But then again, they could go with Renata anyway - who knows?

I think Anesi is probably still contracted to the Waratahs, although I am not %100 sure. As for Renata, I've never seen him play at 12, so I don't see why you've listed him there or suggested he might play there. He is a 10 or fullback from what I have seen of him with Waikato and the NZ under 20's. That said, I don't think I rate him as being up to Super 14(15) level yet anyway.

Burleigh looks a good player though. Not sure about Tokula either, he'll obviously be behind Kahui, but Kahui is made of glass so the Chiefs need to have another centre waiting in the wings and I don't think Tokula is that good of a replacement yet, looks a bit of a problem area if Kahi gets his annual injury.

 

[ranger]

The Waratahs haven't renewed Anesi's contract, he wont be returning to NSW. I wouldn't be suprised if he misses out on super 14 selection all together

 

[T-Rex]

The Waratahs haven't renewed Anesi's contract, he wont be returning to NSW. I wouldn't be suprised if he misses out on super 14 selection all together

Oh I see. Fairenough then. Seems to be having a decent season for Waikato. I'd probably have him in the Chiefs squad just to cover wing/fullback as wing options aren't huge outside of Sivi and Masaga.

 

[TRF Mr Fish]

I think Anesi is probably still contracted to the Waratahs, although I am not %100 sure. As for Renata, I've never seen him play at 12, so I don't see why you've listed him there or suggested he might play there. He is a 10 or fullback from what I have seen of him with Waikato and the NZ under 20's. That said, I don't think I rate him as being up to Super 14(15) level yet anyway.

Burleigh looks a good player though. Not sure about Tokula either, he'll obviously be behind Kahui, but Kahui is made of glass so the Chiefs need to have another centre waiting in the wings and I don't think Tokula is that good of a replacement yet, looks a bit of a problem area if Kahi gets his annual injury.

I know Renata isn't a Centre, I just see it as a straight decision between Renata and Burleigh, and couldn't be bothered listing them separately etc.

I think Tokula just needs to work on some of the small things, getting his hands ready for a pass etc. He's such a destructive player, he'd make short work of any weak tackling midfields.

Either way, the squad I listed has only one uncapped player, if I'm not mistaken...

 

[T-Rex]

I know Renata isn't a Centre, I just see it as a straight decision between Renata and Burleigh, and couldn't be bothered listing them separately etc.

I think Tokula just needs to work on some of the small things, getting his hands ready for a pass etc. He's such a destructive player, he'd make short work of any weak tackling midfields.

Either way, the squad I listed has only one uncapped player, if I'm not mistaken...

I'd take Burleigh if it were a straight decision between the two. I'm just not very confident with Trent being able to step up yet, especially in his primary position. Not that either him or Burleigh would be getting large amounts of game time anyway.

You're right about Tokula, he had that problem tonight against Harbour, although he did have a pretty good game.

Also, I don't think Kerr-Barlow is capped at S14/15 level, haven't really seen enough of him to make a judgement, looked alright tonight but I only saw him briefly.

 

[ranger]

Oh I see. Fairenough then. Seems to be having a decent season for Waikato. I'd probably have him in the Chiefs squad just to cover wing/fullback as wing options aren't huge outside of Sivi and Masaga.

You think so? i thought he has been very average actually, he has lost a whole ton of pace aswell.. I would rate Nanai Williams, Sweeney, Stowers, Tuala, even Frank Halai and Jason Hona over him