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Rugby: Stern words for Chiefs' players; NZ Herald

Started by Just_win3 REPLIES80 VIEWS· 26 Mar 2014, 07:18
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JW
Just_winCaptain18,570 posts
26 Mar 2014, 07:18
#1
26 Mar 2014, 07:18#1

The Chiefs' trip to South Africa has started off with some tense words exchanged between the camp.

After their shock 18-15 loss to the Western Force the flight over to the Republic was one of deep reflection after the coaching staff refused to mince their words.

Assistant coach Wayne Smith says the only positive he can find so far is that they will have no injuries ahead of their match against the Bulls on Sunday.

"Tim Nanai-Williams didn't run yesterday, he's got a slight strain in the back of his hamstring but I don't think there'll be anyone not available for selection this week of the guys who are over here.'

Tense words have been exchanged between the coaching staff and players, and Smith says the players have responded well.

"As in every area we've just got to step up. If we come into the match like we went into the Force match then I'll tell you we've got no show and we've been pretty brutal about that. As coaches we don't tend to hide anything.'

He says they have already started working on their lineout as they've identified that as an area of critical weakness.

"Our lineout has been a work in progress. We've made some progress, but we're going to be up against the best lineout in the competition from the best lineout forward in the world running it in Victor Matfield. So that's a huge challenge for our forwards.'

Newstalk ZB

JW
Just_winCaptain18,570 posts
26 Mar 2014, 07:21
#2
26 Mar 2014, 07:21#2
Well the Mighty Chiefs have been given their wake up call. Let's see an invigorated team performance please guys!
Take not Matfield critics, Matfield is described as the "best line out forward in the world". 
CL
clevermikeCoach57,555 posts
26 Mar 2014, 07:41
#3
26 Mar 2014, 07:41#3
 Just-win
The Chiefs line out work has been poor - but what can one expect from a tight 5 pack with Retallick in it.  Retallick tries to play as an extra loosie - nice for fantasy selection - but in respect of fulfilling the basic functions of a lock - zero capacity.
"  Matfield is described as the "best line out forward in the world".    That he was when he played for the Springboks - definitely not anymore.   Nice scare tactics from Smith though.     
JW
Just_winCaptain18,570 posts
26 Mar 2014, 07:48
#4
26 Mar 2014, 07:48#4
Clevermike: Retallick does clean out rucks & also does the hard yards carrying the ball. Check out his tackle stats too. So, yes he is not a line out king but his strengths are clear. 
Players can't always be excellent at every facet of the game, good coaching & selection results in other players compensating for weaknesses. This is a team game after all.
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