rugby: Chiefs from the Chiefs

Was really hoping to get one out for each NZ SXV team before any AB training squad was named but....

Anyway...something on the Chiefs...

No one would argue against Cruden or Messam being there again, but the Chiefs really is a sum of its parts rather than relying on 2 or 3 outstanding ABs.

Most would think Hika Elliot was always going to be in a larger training squad...too much time invested in him and I would say hooker is a weakness in NZ rugby at present. No sleight on Elliot...he just isn't a Sean Fitzpatrick or Keven Mealamu. He is, however, a busy & dynamic hooker. Andrew Hore can count himself a lucky victim of circumstance...some oldhands needed to blood the new fellas. Brendon Leonard was, in my opinion, the best #9 in the game when he first burst onto the international scene. Unfortunately years and injuries have caught up with him, as well as the new kids on the block. I'm a big fan but most probably seen the last of his All Black caps. Richard Kahui comes back from his 6th shoulder op and hits the ground running, arguably 2 games back and already the best looking back in Super Rugby...you always wondered if he was walking on cracked eggs. Hopefully he can come back and round out a couple of seasons earning some good dough in Japan. Would be well-deserved. Things havent just been unlucky for him, but rugby fans worldwide have been deprived of seeing this guy for an extended period at international level. Masaga has picked up his game and become not just a menace on attack, now a great defender and confident under the high ball...perhaps a little unlucky to miss out but by all accounts had already signed his name away.

Ben Tameifuna...where would you tackle this kid?

Ben Afeaki had all the plaudits and was justifiably included. A man-mountain who will become one of the most feared international props. Little bit early yet for Ben Tameifuna but 100% he is on the AB selectors radar. At 137kg some may think he doesn't have the mobility but he has all that. If his annual improvement is anything to go by he will be in black next season. Alongside Sam Whitelock I would judge Brodie Retallick the next best lock in the game,...quite clearly in the form of his life. I'll be the first to admit I wasn't Sam Cane's greatest fan...but of recent he has stepped it up and dare I say glimpses of one Sir Richie are evident...hope he can keep improving. Kerr-Barlow...argued bout this kid with some people (who rate Perenara higher) but he is the complete package at 9. A superstar already made. Nanai Williams' defence and size counts against him....where would the All Blacks play him?...but if you have room for Barrett you have room for this whizz-kid. I'd say the unfortunate one in the Chiefs is Bundee Aki...midfield injury crisis and he steps up and looks one of the most dangerous outside backs in the comp. One of the best steps in the game. Will be hard to overlook him if he is consistent.