Of all the amusing things Chiefs coach Dave Rennie said at a press conference at a city hotel yesterday, “it doesn’t rain in New Zealand” was one of his sharpest.
It was in response to a question about whether the expected wet conditions at Newlands would affect the game plan of his team in Saturday’s Super Rugby quarter-final against the Stormers.
The New Zealand sides tend to play their usual expressive game even if things are a bit slippery. And Rennie was quick to state that a wet Newlands would not dampen their style.
“Look, it is what it is. We haven’t played in too much rain this year. We did against the Crusaders a couple of weeks ago... we did a good job dealing with that. If it rains we’ll still play,” said a laid-back Rennie.
One young man who has epitomised the Chiefs’ style of playing the situation is fullback Damian McKenzie. The All Black has had a wonderful season, running the ball and attacking space when there’s a fraction of a chance, but also cleverly booting the ball into space if the Hamilton side are faced with a brick wall.
“For us nothing will change. What Damian and the other guys at the back have done really well is play what’s in front of them. And if there’s an obvious kicking option we’ll use it and if not we’ll maybe start a carry and try and find some big fellas defending together.”
Rennie didn’t curb his sense of humour as the questions streamed in. When asked if he had any plans to counter Eben Etzebeth and Pieter-Steph du Toit’s lineout expertise, he responded: “Yep, yep, some pretty smart ones, we think. Defensively they are very strong. Etzebeth is a helluva athlete. So we’re going to plan around that, but it’s not easy.”
The Stormers are a little thin on experience at flyhalf with only Brandon Thomson and Robert du Preez available. Thomson is likely to start in place of the injured Jean-Luc du Plessis, but Chiefs pivot Aaron Cruden believes the Kiwis will have to keep the men around Thomson quiet.
“With a young flyhalf I guess it’s the guys around him that need to step up now. Over the next few days we’ll go over a bit of our individual analysis to get a real idea on the strengths and weaknesses of certain players and area that we think we can exploit. In saying that he’s got sharp midfielders outside him and they’re doing a great job. We have to make sure that we’re able to nullify their opportunities,” Cruden said.
Cruden also appreciated the support the Chiefs had when they arrived at Cape Town International Airport late on Monday. “Even arriving in Cape Town on Tuesday night at 22:30 there were quite a lot of fans waiting for photos and autographs, so we always like coming to Newlands.
It’s a historical rugby ground and we do get good support here. “I’m sure there’s going to be some Stormers supporters too no doubt,” Cruden said with a little smile.
“But the more Chiefs supporters we can get to the ground that’ll be great as well.”
Rennie, meanwhile, has taken note of Robbie Fleck’s “fearless rugby” approach.
“Look we’ve been on the other side of the draw so we haven’t studied them as much as the others. I think they’ve always been a team that wants to play. They still kick the ball a fair bit. Certainly Robbie’s an innovative man.
“I think they’ll want to play too. They’ve got a pretty impressive defensive lineout, they’ve got a big scrum, it’s all areas that we’re aware of. I guess the question is will they still play in the rain, and I’m not sure,” Rennie said.
Cape Argus