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Written by Jerry6
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Wednesday, 07 February 2007 |
 Well, with the super 14 underway there was once again a team that failed to live
up to expectations. The Chiefs had a fantastic NPC Knocking the likes of
Wellington out in the final. After that title win, the Chiefs, based on
the champion Waikato NPC side, were one of the teams that were dubbed being a
real force in the Super 14.
After all that was said, the Chiefs lost to the Brumbies in Hamilton. The
Brumbies were more clinical in every area of the game. The rush defence did not
work out for the Chiefs. Players like Mortlock were exploiting the space which
they capitalised on in scoring their first try. George Smith had a great game,
he out smarted Holah which allowed the Brumbies to slow down the quick ball
which the Chiefs wanted to give to their pacy backs. The chiefs loosies did not
dominate, the lacked the physical and powerful Sione Luauki which gave the
Chiefs the opportunity to get good front foot ball. The Chiefs pick and drive
were ineffective and their mauling which was very effective in the NPC seemed to
disintegrate at times.
The Chiefs no doubt missed Keith Robinson who adds a lot to the tight
five. They missed his physical presence and also his lineout capabilities. Coach
Ian foster chose the total wrong outfit to take up the Brumbies. Lelia Masaga
who showed what a talent he is for the future and we also saw the powerful De
Malmanche who only came on in the last 20 minutes.
Sweeney is not a fullback. Soseni Anesi should have played at fifteen and
Masaga to left wing.
The Chiefs need to win the Canes because they have a very tough SA tour
coming up. Hopefully the Chiefs can regain their composure and start
playing to their full potential - it's not too late!
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