Waikato Chiefs 2012 Season Preview
After years at the helm of rugby's most successful team and a small matter of winning a Rugby World Cup trophy, you'd think the last thing Wayne Smith would want to do is step into the breach once more, and coach a Super XV side. Not so it seems, and his involvement has many Waikato fans excited about the Chiefs chances in the 2012 championship.
On the surface, it appears a whole new level of professionalism has filtered through the franchise and with Smith combining with the highly regarded Head Coach Dave Rennie and Tom Coventry, the foundation seems in place to mount a good challenge for this years title.
The Chiefs have never struggled in backplay, and with the likes of Aaron Cruden, Richard Kahui, Lelia Masaga and Sonny Bill Williams all on hand, they present a very serious threat to most defences. It's fair to say that in recent years it has been the forward pack and in particular the lack of depth, that has really impacted upon the teams chances. Proven performers Liam Messam and Craig Clarke (who are also duel captains) will lead the charge, but it is the relative newcombers that could prove the difference. Ben Afeaki made huge strides in 2011 and Sam Cane was being talked about as a certain Mr McCaw's apprentice. Should these young players step up, the prospects of a successful Chiefs season look good.
Our take on the Waikato Chiefs chances of winning the 2012 Super Rugby Crown? Odds of 13-2...in with a shout but not quite favourites.
For all the Waikato Chiefs 2012 rugby games, please refer to the event listings below. Please note that these are the match details for the Waikato Chiefs New Zealand-based fixtures for 2012.
Wellington Hurricanes 2012 Season Preview
Otago Highlanders 2012 Season Preview
Canterbury Crusaders 2012 Season Preview
Auckland Blues 2012 Season Preview
Waikato Chiefs 2012 Season Preview
Chiefs vs Highlanders, Super 15 Rugby 2012
25 Feb 2012
Chiefs vs Highlanders, Super 15 Rugby 2012
The 2012 Super 15 kicks of for New Zealand fans with the Waikato Chiefs taking on the Otago Highlanders at Hamilton's Waikato Stadium.
With the Super 15 Rugby featuring a whole host of All Black players, including Richie McCaw, Dan Carter, Jerome Kaino and Kevin Mealamu, expect a torrid match from some of New Zealand’s best performing rugby team...
Chiefs vs Blues, Super 15 Rugby 2012
02 Mar 2012
Chiefs vs Blues, Super 15 Rugby 2012
The 2012 Super 15 kicks of for New Zealand fans with the Waikato Chiefs taking on the Auckland Blues at Hamilton's Waikato Stadium.
With the Super 15 Rugby featuring a whole host of All Black players, including Richie McCaw, Dan Carter, Jerome Kaino and Kevin Mealamu, expect a torrid match from some of New Zealand’s best performing rugby teams.
Chiefs vs Crusaders, Super 15 Rugby 2012
06 Jul 2012
Chiefs vs Crusaders, Super 15 Rugby 2012
The 2012 Super 15 kicks of for New Zealand fans with the Waikato Chiefs taking on the Canterbury Crusaders at Hamilton's Waikato Stadium.
With the Super 15 Rugby featuring a whole host of All Black players, including Richie McCaw, Dan Carter, Jerome Kaino and Kevin Mealamu, expect a torrid match from some of New Zealand’s best performing rugby tea...
Chiefs vs Waratahs, Super 15 Rugby 2012
31 Mar 2012
Chiefs vs Waratahs, Super 15 Rugby 2012
The 2012 Super 15 kicks of for New Zealand fans with the Waikato Chiefs taking on the Australian New South Wales' Waratahs at Hamilton's Waikato Stadium.
With the Super 15 Rugby featuring a whole host of All Black players, including Richie McCaw, Dan Carter, Jerome Kaino and Kevin Mealamu, expect a torrid match from some of New Zealand’s best perfo...