CHIEFS 2008

Chiefs

The Chiefs were one of the sides who just didn't quite make it in 2007. They came close, ending the season in sixth place on the competition standings, tied with the Brumbies and just two points behind the fouth placed Blues.

The Waikato-based side, who would have ended fifth with a better points difference, defied the cynics with a solid performance and for once living up to their pre-season promise.

The Chiefs have proved that they can produce the firepower to beat the best in the Super 14, and can be a tough nut to crack, particularly at home. However, while one should expect them to be very competitive in Hamilton, they can struggle to reproduce that form on the road.

The Chiefs are a great attacking side, but defence has been known to let them down on more than one occasion - as their 373 points for and 321 points against record shows.

Strengths: The Chiefs play with intent and passion, lead by skipper Jono Gibbes, who has often had to prove himself with gritty displays on the pitch as many consider him too small to be a lock - the position in which he started his career. The side is well suited to an attacking game and the players' determination will count in their favour.

Weakness: The Chiefs' main problem is their defence, which is not of the highest calibre. The fact that they are also not an overly inventive side, sticking largely to the basics and relying on sheer grit and determination to smash their way to the try-line, could also count against them. They have also lost a number of key players in veterans Byron Kelleher, Marty Holah and Keith Robinson.

Noteworthy signings: Callum Bruce (from Higlanders), Tom Harding (draft), Hayden Hopgood (from Hurricanes), Tanerau Latimer (Bay of Plenty), Faifili Levave (draft), Ben May (from Crusaders), Kevin O'Neill (from Crusaders), Viliame Waqaseduadua (from Highlanders).

Noteworthy losses: Steven Bates, Marty Holah (Ospreys), Byron Kelleher (Toulouse), Roy Kinikinilau, Keith Robinson (retired), Niva Ta'auso, Anthony Tahana, Tane Tu'ipulotu, Nathan White, Murray Wiliams.

Coach: Ian Foster, a foundation Chief, took the side to a historic first ever semi-final appearance during his first season as boss in 2004, but hasn't been able to work the same magic since. Foster will be looking to build on the performance of 2007.

Captain: Gibbes is an outstanding and versatile player, being able to play at lock and as a loose forward. The Chiefs' Skipper epitomises the best attributes of the side, namely their grit and determination. He is also an inspiring leader and can rally the side. Unfortunately the skipper is somewhat injury-prone.

Player(s) to watch: While Gibbes is always one to watch, the Chiefs' new signing Callum Bruce will likely be the key to their success this year. That the Highlanders let him go is beyond most, considering the talented utility back's performances for the side last year. Bruce has a prodigious boot and can cover either inside centre or fly-half.

2007 Position: 6th

Best finish: 4th in Super 12 in 2004

Worst finish: 11th in Super 12 in 1996

Home Venue: Waikato Stadium, Hamilton (Capacity 26,350)

2008 Prediction: They probably won't perform as well this year as they did last year. 7th.

Chiefs squad: Sosene Anesi, Callum Bruce, Ben Castle, Simms Davison, Aled de Malmanche, Stephen Donald, Jono Gibbes, Tom Harding, Hayden Hopgood, Richard Kahui, Tanerau Latimer, Sione Lauaki, Tasesa Lavea, Faifili Levave, Brendon Leonard, Toby Lynn, Lelia Masaga, Ben May, Liam Messam, Malili Muliaina, Jamie Nutbrown, Kevin O'Neill, Kristian Ormsby, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Dwayne Sweeney, Viliame Waqaseduadua, Craig West, Tom Willis.

Schedule:

16 Feb: v Blues, away

23 Feb: v Waratahs, home

29 Feb: v Hurricanes, away

8 March: v Cheetahs, home

14 March: v Stormers, home

22 March: v Bulls, home

29 March: v Highlanders, home

4 April: v Brumbies, away

11/12 April: Bye

18 April: v Crusaders, home

26 April: v Reds, home

3 May: v Force, away

10 May: v Lions, away

17 May: v Sharks, away