Just for you ozzy...
Fisher doubts Chiefs' credentials
By Jim Morton
February 02, 2007 THE much-fancied Chiefs don't scare an ACT Brumbies outfit which has seriously questioned their Super 14 credentials before tomorrow's opening-round clash in Hamilton.
The Chiefs have been talked up as title favourites on both sides of the Tasman since Waikato stormed through the NPC last year to lift the Air New Zealand Cup.
But Brumbies coach Laurie Fisher believes the Hamilton-based outfit don't deserve such kudos before their season kick-off at Waikato Stadium.
"I think they're a strong team and at their best are competitive with any other team but the Air New Zealand Cup is not Super 14 and they haven't made the finals series for the past two years," he said.
"I think it's premature to talk them up too hard but that said, I think all Kiwi sides are good sides."
The Chiefs' only semi-final appearance came in 2004, ironically against the Brumbies, when they were put to the sword 32-17 in Canberra.
The interest surrounding them in 2007 has also been generated by the fact they have just three New Zealand stars rested from the first half of the competition compared to the Crusaders (7), Hurricanes (6) and Blue (5).
Queensland Reds coach Eddie Jones is one of many who believe the Chiefs, assisted by expert tutor Warren Gatland, will be at the top of the table after eight rounds while Hurricanes mentor Colin Cooper says they are all the rage in NZ.
But Fisher feels their backline will sorely miss its Test trio - halfback Byron Kelleher, full back Mils Muliaina and wing Sitiveni Sivivatu.
His comments are sure to add an extra edge to one of the games of the opening round as the Chiefs look to break a seven-year, seven-game losing streak to the Brumbies.
Fisher knows makeshift flyhalf Julian Huxley, recruited from Queensland mainly to play fullback, must be on his game against a strong, fast-rushing defensive line.
But there is a major reward on offer, with Stephen Larkham, missing tomorrow after the birth of his second child, surprisingly not guaranteed of a round two starting recall.
"This will be a challenge for Hux, having not played at 10 for the last few years it certainly won't be easy for him," Fisher said.
"I'll be interested to see how he goes but if he's outstanding and (Adam) Ashley-Cooper is outstanding at full back then there's a selection dilemma straight away.
"There's no God-given rights to starting positions."
The clash marks the 100th Super rugby match for Jeremy Paul who becomes just the second hooker to reach the milestone, following behind Highlanders rake Anton Oliver.
It is also the first game for George Gregan since last September after he opted against touring Europe to prepare physically and mentally for a tilt at a fourth World cup campaign.
The Chiefs have lost destructive forwards Sione Lauaki and Keith Robinson to injury but boast an abrasive pack.
Scrum coach Craig Stevenson has shown the confidence brimming in Waikato by saying anything short of the play-offs would represent a failure.
"Now we want to stamp our mark on the competition," he said.
"It's overdue."
http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,21159082-23217,00.html
