Waldrom & Triggs join Chiefs Super 15 squad

[TRF Mr Fish]

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.

Yeah Kerr-Barlow is the only uncapped player in the squad I listed - he needs to try to a bit less flashy to be honest, sometimes I cringe when he does the behind the back passes, but he's definitely a great prospect for the future.

If Donald or Delany get injured Renata has to be called up regardless, he's had a couple of caps at the level anyway - at the end of the 10 season Foster basically just chucked out some players so that they could get used to the S14 atmosphere. I do like Burleigh though, I don't think he'd let the side down.

 

[Darwin]

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

I don't think Anesi has been the same player after he injured his neck a couple of years ago. Interestingly still claims to be the fastest player in the Waikato squad over 10m (http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/itm-cup-heartland-championship/4083840/Sonesi-Anesis-legs-in-run-for-Chiefs-spot/) - like you I can't see much evidence of this speed.

I certainly wouldn't be selecting him in the Chiefs squad on current form. Assuming there are 6 outside back (wing/fullback) positions available in the 32-man squad I'd select Sivivatu, Sweeney, Stowers, Masaga, Nainai-Williams, and Muliana.

 

[TRF Mr Fish]

I think Anesi may still be in there above Stowers - who I think is close to signing a contract with the Highlanders if my sources are correct.

 

[ranger]

I think Anesi may still be in there above Stowers - who I think is close to signing a contract with the Highlanders if my sources are correct.

What has Anesi really done except be experienced though? he has been riding that phenomenal 40m time for the last 5 seasons without really doing much. Stowers has been lethal for counties, and would be very near the best sevens player on the circuit this year. Even if Stowers goes to the Highlanders, Ahsee Tuala would be near the top tryscorer in the competition, he deserves the spot over Anesi.

 

[Larksea]

I think Anesi will make a very good experienced bench player for the chiefs again. His height is a good asset, good speed and defence. lets face it the Back three will be Mils, Sivivatu & Masanga.

Been thinking Stowers would be a good addition for he highlanders as well. They really need to recruit someone like that at the highlanders and Bring Ben smith into the mid field.

 

[Larksea]

I actually think Triggs Move from the Highlanders to the chiefs has been sparked by joe tuineau's play for Southland, I think Joe will take his place at the highlanders

 

[ranger]

I think Anesi will make a very good experienced bench player for the chiefs again. His height is a good asset, good speed and defence. lets face it the Back three will be Mils, Sivivatu & Masanga.

Been thinking Stowers would be a good addition for he highlanders as well. They really need to recruit someone like that at the highlanders and Bring Ben smith into the mid field.

Exactly, we all know the back three will be Mills, Sivi and Masaga. But there will only be one spot on the bench for an outside back and that will come down to Sweeney or Nanai-Williams. Whats the point of keeping Anesi in the squad if hes the third option for the 22 jersey and probably wont see alot of game time. It would make more sense to bring in a promising kid in to the environment like Ahsee Tuala, the Cheifs need to look to the future, especially with this probably being Mills and Sivis last season.

 

[TRF Mr Fish]

Nah, I'd imagine we'd have Sweeney on the bench alongside either Anesi or Nani-Williams, as two guys on the field will be capable of playing first five.

 

[ranger]

Nah, I'd imagine we'd have Sweeney on the bench alongside either Anesi or Nani-Williams, as two guys on the field will be capable of playing first five.

Yeah sure you will have two capable first fives on the field but only one specialist midfielder in the 22, and an injury prone one at that. I would rank 13 as the most important position on the field behind the first five, it doesn't make sense to have extra outside backs. I know Mills and Sweeney can cover the midfield at a pinch, but its more of a stopgap measure and not one the Chiefs should be using. The risk doesn't measure up to the reward.
Jackson Willison will all but have his name printed on the 21 jersey already. Sweeney, N-Williams and Stowers/Hona/Tuala to fight it out for the 22 jersey

 

[Shaggy]

3 news has reported that the chiefs have signed these 4 players

The Chiefs confirmed today that four of their young players are returning for the 2011 Suepr 15 season.
Waikato provincial representatives Toby Smith and Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Counties-Manukau fullback Tim Nanai-Williams and North Harbour prop Ben Afeaki have all re-signed for the 2011 season.
21-year-old Nanai-Williams was the youngest squad member in the 2010 Chief’s side.
Smith was called into the Chief’s squad last year and is looking forward to another big season.
Afeaki will look to improve his knowledge and performance next year.
Tawera Kerr-Barlow, 20 was promoted in the Chiefs from the wider training group.

 

[Darwin]

3 news has reported that the chiefs have signed these 4 players

The Chiefs confirmed today that four of their young players are returning for the 2011 Suepr 15 season.
Waikato provincial representatives Toby Smith and Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Counties-Manukau fullback Tim Nanai-Williams and North Harbour prop Ben Afeaki have all re-signed for the 2011 season.
21-year-old Nanai-Williams was the youngest squad member in the 2010 Chief's side.
Smith was called into the Chief's squad last year and is looking forward to another big season.
Afeaki will look to improve his knowledge and performance next year.
Tawera Kerr-Barlow, 20 was promoted in the Chiefs from the wider training group.

No surprise to see these four signed. The Chiefs look to be well served in the prop department, with Sona Taumalolo, Nathan White and James McGoughan also likely to be included (assuming they select 5 props) - it's rumored Ben May is pretty close to signing with the Crusaders.

I'm not sure who will be the third halfback in the Chiefs squad. If Taniela Moa keeps playing well for BOP he may get the spot, however it has been rumored that they may try to get Toby Morland from Auckland. Counties halfback Augustine Pulu has been impressive at times, as has Chad Tuoro for BOP, but neither have been consistent all season. Fisilau looks good with the ball in hand for Counties, however only seems to get to every second ruck, so I certainly don't think he will be up to Super 15 rugby.

 

[ranger]

No surprise to see these four signed. The Chiefs look to be well served in the prop department, with Sona Taumalolo, Nathan White and James McGoughan also likely to be included (assuming they select 5 props) - it's rumored Ben May is pretty close to signing with the Crusaders.

I'm not sure who will be the third halfback in the Chiefs squad. If Taniela Moa keeps playing well for BOP he may get the spot, however it has been rumored that they may try to get Toby Morland from Auckland. Counties halfback Augustine Pulu has been impressive at times, as has Chad Tuoro for BOP, but neither have been consistent all season. Fisilau looks good with the ball in hand for Counties, however only seems to get to every second ruck, so I certainly don't think he will be up to Super 15 rugby.

I would be suprised if May does leave. He has a realistic shot at starting for the Cheifs but he wont even be in the Crusaders first string 22. Its sounds like posturing to try and load more money onto his Chiefs contract if you ask me.

As for why anyone would go after Toby Morland, well thats puzzling. He has been one of the most disappointing players of the 2010 ITM cup. He really isnt that good, the Auckland team noticeably picked up after he left the field in the last game. He doesn't do anything overly well, the only reason i would see him being selected is because hes experienced, but thats a pretty flimsy reason. Taniela Moa would be a better pick.

 

[Darwin]

I would be suprised if May does leave. He has a realistic shot at starting for the Cheifs but he wont even be in the Crusaders first string 22. Its sounds like posturing to try and load more money onto his Chiefs contract if you ask me.

As for why anyone would go after Toby Morland, well thats puzzling. He has been one of the most disappointing players of the 2010 ITM cup. He really isnt that good, the Auckland team noticeably picked up after he left the field in the last game. He doesn't do anything overly well, the only reason i would see him being selected is because hes experienced, but thats a pretty flimsy reason. Taniela Moa would be a better pick.

There is very little between the top 6 props in the Chiefs in my mind - as such it wouldn't be surprising to see May get a starting spot, however I also wouldn't be surprised if May is only ranked as the sixth best prop in the region, and as such has been advised to look elsewhere. He is clearly ranked behind Nathan White and Toby Smith at Waikato, while he will certainly rated behind Ben Afeaki as a tighthead.

While he would only be the 4th ranked prop at the Crusaders I would expect he would get quite a bit of game time next season if he signed, as the Franks brothers will both be rested at times during the season (at the request of Henry and co.).

I totally agree about Morland - I certainly wouldn't be picking him for Super 15 rugby.

 

[TRF Mr Fish]

May is, in my opinion, the best of the Chiefs' props, on par with Taumalolo.

And I do like Morland, he was a handy backup to Leonard two years ago.

 

[Darwin]

In further Chiefs related news, they have confirmed the signing of Fritz Lee - apparently both them and the Blues offered him contracts, but he choose to sign with the Chiefs (http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-15/4241524/Chiefs-beat-Blues-off-to-sign-Fritz ). This great news for the Chiefs - though he's unlikely to break into the starting lineup much at this stage, he could provide good impact from the bench, and does looks more than capable of starting if there are injuries.