Three massive assignments first up with the Tribe who will have to battle the Blues, Tahs and Canes on consecutive Saturdays.  Personally I won’t be holding my breath in the hope of three bonus point victories.

The Chiefs success will depend on how well they embrace and adapt to the new rules.  If the new ELVS favour more mobile, agile, skilful sides, the Meat Eaters could struggle, which may well work to the Waikato based franchises advantage.

Personnel changes and the new ELVS aside, it’s still been basic handling errors and poor decision making, that have plagued the Chiefs over the last decade.  If the boys can make those passes stick and stay injury free, they have the firepower to mix it with the best.

But can they produce the consistency and cool headedness in the heat of battle to make the knockout stages? 

New Chiefs:

Ben May, Prop (Tasman),
Kevin O'Neill, Lock (Waikato)
Tom Harding, Loose forward (Wellington)
Hayden Hopgood, Loose forward (Canterbury)
Faifili Levave, Loose forward (Wellington)
Callum Bruce, Second five-eighth (Otago)
Viliame Waqaseduadua, Wing (North Harbour).

Notable Losses:

Robbo, Porn star, Mazda Bates, Marty Holah, Nathan White, Roy (I don’t rush back on defence for anyone) Kinikinilau, Warren Gatland (all Waikato). Can’t think of any others offhand.

Players to Watch:

Richard Kahui
While for many the jury is still out on the strapping Tokoroa lad’s ability, I believe Kahui is all class and the solution to the All Blacks midfield conundrum.  Provided he can keep himself out of the sick bay, Kahui has the potential to be New Zealand’s player of the season in 2008.

Tanerau Latimer:
An outstanding flanker, Latimer shared the openside role with Marty Holah the role last season.  For the Chiefs to excel in 2008, Latimer, Messam and Lauaki will all need to hit the ground running.  Together they will form a potent Chiefs loose forward unit which will have the measure of any trio in this competition.  

Personnel:

Outside Blouses:  A first choice back three of Mils, Sivi and Masaga looks pretty damn shit hot to me.  Not so sure about the consistency of Waqaseduadua.  Apparently Anesi is finally getting back to his best physical condition since 2005 (about bloody time).  Sweeney will be on hand to slice the citrus.

Midfield Blouses:  Much is expected from the return of Kahui.  Bruce and Lavea are both capable playmakers to partner the big fella.  I wont fall off my seat in shock if Mils pops up in midfield either.

Inside Blouses:  Donald is developing into a handy pivot.  I was sick of seeing his punts being charged down last season, but he attacks the line nicely and sets up his outside well.

Loose Forwards:  Along with the back three, the loosies are the strength of the 2008 Chiefs.  Potentially an outstanding unit, Messam is an All Black in waiting, Latimer an old head on young shoulders and Lauaki a physical beast.  If these three can remain stay injury free, Leavave, Harding and Hopgood will become well acquainted with the Hotdog caravan behind the back the Wel Energy stand.

Tight Forwards:  Three career journey men at lock, plus the outstanding but injury prone Gibbes.  The losses of Robinson and White will severely deplete the Chiefs forward pack, who had been barring up nicely over the last few seasons.  I would like to see the ball of muscle De Malmanche replace the veteran Willis and add some real grunt and go forward.  Much will be expected of Ben Castle who will have to anchor the tighthead side in Whites absence.  

Probable Placing (and why):
Mid table.  The Tribe will lose four games in the first 8 rounds (by seven points or less) through basic handling errors that will prove costly.  They will then dust themselves off, circle their wagons and storm back midway through the tourney (playing sublime attacking footy), beating eventual 2008 champions along the way.  But alas we will miss out on semi finals by two measly bonus points.

Go the Chiefs!