With the 2013 Super XV just around the corner it felt like an appropriate time to have a bit of fun and speculate about some ‘Best of’ sides, and I’m carrying on with the Hamilton-based Chiefs, a side with a complicated history and a huge catchment area. Please note that no specific selection criteria was used here; some players have been chosen because of the … [Read more...]

Following a sensational year in the second tier of the ITM Cup the Counties-Manukau Steelers watched a host of their players receive Super XV contracts for the 2013 season, amongst them halfback Augustine Pulu. A member of the Chiefs wider training squad for the 2012 season Pulu has been selected in coach Dave Rennie’s full squad as the reigning champions set about the new … [Read more...]

As the Chiefs look to defend their first-ever Super XV title the Hamilton-based side have enlisted the services of veteran second-rower Ross Filipo, who will add invaluable support to key players Craig Clarke and Brodie Retallick. Although listed as a loose-forward on the Chiefs' website the 1.96m tall Filipo has played the bulk of his professional career in the tight-five, … [Read more...]

As they look to defend their first ever Super Rugby title the Chiefs have bolstered their squad with the immensely talented Bundee Aki, a stand-out for Counties-Manukau in this year's ITM Cup. After helping the Steelers to victory in the Championship and earning promotion to next year's ITM Cup Premiership, Bundee, who played in the midfield for Counties but is versatile … [Read more...]

adidas have unveiled the New Zealand Super XV franchises’ ‘Away’ shirts for the 2013 season, with a common theme being the predominantly white colourway which all sides except the Highlanders will share. Reigning champions the Chiefs boast the names of the provincial unions which contribute to the franchise (Counties Manukau, Waikato, Thames Valley, King Country and Bay of … [Read more...]