The Chiefs managed to surprise everyone last year when they made it to the Super 14 finals, only to get thumped by a rampaging Bulls team, after finishing in a crummy 7th place in 2008. The Chiefs, not short of talent or experience have been Super 14 underachievers for years, but after finishing in 2nd place overall, one might think that they have turned a corner, and things might be looking up for them.

The biggest question regarding the Chiefs is whether or not they can deliver the same kind of performances, and build on the success of last year. I personally think they can. Their tight five madea tremendous improvement from previous years, with hooker, Aled de Malmanche being one of the standouts in last years competition. Their loose forwards, in Sione Lauaki, Liam Messam and Tanerau Latimer are all brilliant players and fringe All Blacks.

They aren’t short in the backlineeither, with some of the quickest anddeadliest attackers in the competition, with the likes of Mills Muliaina, Lelia Masaga, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Richard Kahui, Stephan Donald, Mike Delany and Brendon Leonard all being All Blacks. Expect more good things from the Chiefs this year.

Players to watch:

• In Mills Muliaina, Lelia Masaga and Sitiveni Sivivatu, the Chiefs have, arguably, the best back triangle in the competition.
• Stephan Donald may not ave taken his chances in the All Black jersey, but he was outstanding in last year’s competition, expect more of the same this year.
• The Chiefs loose trio.
• Aled de Malmanche will be wanting to build on last season’s performance.

This is what their runners are capable of: [usamabutt12345]

Possible concerns:

• Not living up to what they are capable of.
• The formidable loose trio giving away multiple penalties and ultimately cards with the new interpretation of the tackle laws.
• Sivivatu’s dangerous in-air tackling, resulting in cards.

BSR’s prediction for the Chiefs’ best possible finish: playoff contenders