The Chiefs have a comfortable lead at the top of the Super Rugby table. They are tied for the lead at 37 points with New Zealand’s second-placed Crusaders. As we get deeper into the season, the pressure is mounting for teams to lock in their spot for a chance at making it to finals. The Hurricanes, fresh off their own impressive away win against the ACT Brumbies, sit five points back in fifth.
Despite their positive position heading into the semis, the Chiefs’ improvements may be tested as they have lost high-flying winger Mark Telea to a three-match ban. This suspension is particularly harmful, as teams prepare for the home stretch of this year’s season. Chiefs’ coach Clayton McMillan champions player health as the most sacred currency on the road to success. As the team grapples with these hurdles, he works on strategy.
Recent Performances
The Chiefs have proven to be worthy of their number one spot with a string of solid performances. Despite only scoring 37 points, they have proved how dominant they have been all year. The Crusaders, having been nipping closely at first’s heels in second place, are on 37 points — just how tight the competition has been throughout this year’s tournament.
Their recent away win against the ACT Brumbies was an important indicator of their character and ability to perform in the clutch. As they try to find their way up the standings, each game is more and more critical as every team fights towards the playoff line.
Still, the Auckland Blues are in ninth place. They’re now looking forward to their next home game against the Western Force on Friday. Injury to a Blues cog Aaron McKenzie, an important component for the Blues, missed the last match with a hand injury. He’s a chance for next week’s away game against the powerful Canterbury Crusaders, but probably won’t be back before then.
Player Challenges and Team Strategy
The lack of these critical players creates a major test for teams heading into the most important stretch of the season. McMillan has previously indicated a high level of concern with player fitness, most notably under McKenzie’s tenure.
“He can catch a ball and he could probably go out there (against the Hurricanes), but this close to the finals we’re probably better off to take the precautionary route.” – Clayton McMillan
Alongside McKenzie’s long-term injury, the Chiefs have to recalibrate with Telea’s short-term suspension. This triple whammy on the depth chart is a reminder of how crucial depth is to squad management in this critical reinforced T1 era.
Anton Lienert-Brown, another prominent player, reflected on his own season struggles, stating, “Footy doesn’t always love you back, such is life.” He has had surgery and is in recovery mode so that is the main priority.
“Surgery & then a speedy recovery on way.” – Anton Lienert-Brown
Looking Ahead
Drama & Intensity Competition will be fierce, as every team competes to improve their status in the ranking. All four of them are intensely committed to moving forward to the finals.
The Auckland Blues prepare to meet the Western Force Competing not only against one another but against the unpredictability of player injuries and suspensions, they fight to claw their way up the rankings. As a result, these matchups have enormous ramifications for the overall playoff picture. As one can imagine, teams are competing fiercely for victory in the last few weeks of Super Rugby competition.
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