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Kick off: 7:35 pmwaikato stadium

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saturdayMATCH DAYSPONSOR

74717 Rugby Blues 210x148.indd 1 2014/02/17 12:22 PM

[BNZ SPONSOR MESSAGE 2014] Welcome to the 2014 season of Investec Super Rugby. At Bank of New Zealand, we take pride in supporting our national game, and it’s a privilege to once again be backing the five New Zealand teams as they vie for the championship this year. All eyes will be on the Chiefs as they look to win the title for the third year running – but it won’t be easy for them with teams from South Africa and Australia also looking to prove a point before the 2015 World Cup kicks off next year in England. The game of rugby – like BNZ – is steeped in the history, culture and fabric of this country, and each season brings incredible excitement as we witness the passion and dedication required to compete with the world’s best. Players are continually striving to raise the bar and be innovative in lifting their performances on the field – just as our people are at BNZ. Our shared belief in continuous improvement is one of the many things that make our sponsorship of the Investec Super Rugby so important to us. When you’re thinking about physical fitness this rugby season, take a moment to assess your financial fitness and speak to BNZ about the many ways we can help you be good with money. On behalf of all our BNZ people around the country, I would like wish our five teams all the best for the season ahead and extend a warm welcome to all fans of the Investec Super Rugby competition. We hope you enjoy the game. Andrew Thorburn Chief Executive Officer BNZ

THE OFFICIAL BEER OF THE CHIEFS2012-2013 Back to back Investec Super Rugby Champions

THE OFFICIAL BEER OF THE CHIEFS2012-2013 Back to back Investec Super Rugby Champions

Welcome to Investec Super Rugby 2014

Investec has a long history of sponsoring the rugby union and we are delighted to be entering the fourth season as naming rights partner of Super Rugby in New Zealand. We are also involved in a number of rugby-related sponsorships, which include The Rugby Championship in New Zealand and the Investec International Rugby Academy in South Africa.

As Super Rugby sponsors, we continue to enjoy the partnership with the New Zealand Rugby Union and the five teams that are represented by them.

The competition is followed by supporters in our three main geographies – South Africa, United Kingdom and Australia - and is a perfect match for the Investec brand. The game of rugby itself reflects our belief in unwavering teamwork, strategic play and tenacity, which are at the heart of Investec’s culture.

We wish all the teams and their supporters the best of luck and look forward to another season of thrilling Super Rugby in 2014. Janet LarsenHead of Marketing: Investec South Africa

Investec (comprising Investec plc and Investec Limited) is an international, specialist bank and asset manager that provides a diverse range of financial products and services to a select client base. We are organised into three distinct business activities: Asset Management, Wealth & Investment and Specialist Banking. The Investec Group is dual listed on the London and Johannesburg Stock Exchanges. We have an efficient integrated international business platform, offering all our core activities in the UK and South Africa and select activities in Australia.

On behalf of the Chiefs Whanau, welcome to Waikato Stadium for our first home game of the 2014 Investec Super Rugby season.

It is always special to play in front of a home crowd including our family and friends. We believe we have

the best supporters in the competition, which has been evident with the impressive way that people in Chiefs

Country have got behind us over the last couple of seasons.

It was great to start the Investec Super Rugby season with a win in Christchurch last week. It was an eventful

night from the coaches’ box and the changing room resembled a battlefield post game.

We were really proud of our boys who displayed amazing courage under pressure. Ultimately we played a large

chunk of the game without the ball and for us to defend that long against a Crusaders side of that depth is a

testament to the character of the group. Congratulations to the seven men who who made their Chiefs debut,

led by some outstanding performances from our senior players.

We play in the toughest provincial competition in the world. and tonight will be another epic New Zealand

Conference battle. I was pretty impressed by what I saw from the Highlanders match against the Blues. They

were combative with and without the ball and certainly played with a lot of passion.

While we were happy with our defensive effort against the Crusaders, our set piece and overall attack needs to

step up against what is a very good Highlanders team.

Finally I would like to thank our highly valued sponsors, season

members, fans and families and we appreciate your on-going support.

You can be assured we will be doing our utmost to ensure the Investec

Super Rugby trophy stays at the Chiefs Headquarters.

Enjoy the footy.

Dave Rennie

coachescomment

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Robbie Fruean is a lucky man and the humble centre is grateful for the opportunity to play rugby again after two major heart operations.Born in Wellington, Fruean didn’t start playing rugby until he was nine. He started as a lock for the North Bulldogs while attending Glenview Primary School, scoring a try in his first game by running straight up the middle, a trait that he would continue throughout his career.

He moved from playing lock to first five-eighth when he shifted to Brandon Intermediate, and he stayed in that position at Porirua High School. When he made the 1st XV in Sixth form, he moved to centre.

Fruean enjoyed the extra curricular activities associated with school especially the other sports, choir and Polyfest. In 2007 he won the IRB Under 19 Player of the Year after leading New Zealand to a U19 Championship win, beating South Africa in the final.

After high school he went straight into the Wellington Lions under coach Aussie McLean alongside seasoned rugby identities Rodney S’oialo, Tana Umaga and John Schwalger - the cousin of Chiefs hooker Mahonri Schwalger.

One of the most powerful young men in New Zealand rugby realised he was losing his power when he

got rheumatic fever in 2008. The potentially life-threatening illness causes inflammation of the heart and it damaged one of Robbie’s valves. He was given the medical advice to have his own heart valve replaced with a pig valve.

Being a young man, Robbie didn’t quite appreciate the severity of the situation at the time but he did the second time he went under the knife. After his first operation he returned to rugby, played for the Wellington Lions in 2009 and had his first Super Rugby game for the Hurricanes.

In 2010 he went to the Crusaders under coach Todd Blackadder, playing ITM Cup for Canterbury along side Sonny Bill Williams. He was the top joint try scorer with former Chiefs player Lelia Masaga. He won the ITM Cup in 2011 and 2012, winning the ITM Cup Player of the Year. The following year his life took another dramatic turn.

In 2013 he was constantly on the move due to his damaged housing in the Canterbury earthquakes and he was grateful for the support he got from a couple of key families in the area who took him under their wing.

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Robbie also realised things were not right physically. He was more tired than usual and every time he trained harder it got worse. He visited his heart specialist and they identified that the replacement valve was stiffening up. It was discussed with his medical team that a new, bigger cow valve was required.

Entering the operating table for the second time, Robbie took the situation very seriously and appreciated the support from his partner, four sisters, parents and the rugby fraternity. He had the operation in July 2103 and admits he wasn’t scared but knew the quicker he got it done the quicker he could get back onto the field.

Dave Rennie approached Fruean in October and offered him a contract which gave the Porirua lad a new lease of excitement.

Fruean has had to work very hard to get into shape in a short time. His new heart valve is 30% bigger than the last valve. He freely admits he has had the opportunity to make the most of the training, and

knows he still has a long way to go, but is happy with his progress so far. He has achieved some personal bests in fitness testing and is enjoying his new rugby family.

Chiefs coach Dave Rennie has been impressed with Robbie’s progress to date. “He has made some massive shifts both physically and in the way he plays his game. He has worked really hard and we want him to get more involved in the game which he is keen to do. He has fitted in really well and we are rapt to have him in the Chiefs family.”

“It was a blessing and a sign to move on and start afresh,” said Fruean.

“The Chiefs environment is awesome. It feels like they have a good balance and I really enjoy the style of rugby they play. They bring back the passion of what motivates you to play rugby and they give you the confidence to try new things and play to your natural strengths,” said Robbie.

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ben afeakiProp

Height 1.93mWeight 127kgD.O.B. 12.01.88Province North Harbour

“A solid scrummager who is mobile and physical, with a huge work ethic.”

bundee akiMidfield Back

Height 1.82mWeight 92kgD.O.B. 07.04.90Province Counties Manukau

“A very quick, aggressive and evasive ball carrier. Bundee is a competitive character who is destructive defensively.”

the team2014

gareth anscombeFirst Five-Eight/FullbackHeight 1.84mWeight 90kgD.O.B. 10.05.91Province Auckland“Gareth was a huge performer in the unfamiliar position of fullback last season. He is a heady footballer with impressive kicking skills and has the ability to threaten defences.”

sam caneLoose forward

Height 1.89mWeight 104kgD.O.B. 13.01.92Province Bay of Plenty

“A very talented and highly diligent loose forward. An aggressive, accurate defender and outstanding link player.”

carl axtensNumber 8

Height 1.93mWeight 108kgD.O.B. 26.08.91Province Bay Of Plenty

“A versatile loose forward, who has proven to be abrasive and powerful at No 8”

nick barrettProp

Height 1.83mWeight 114kgD.O.B. 07.09.88Province Southland

“Nick Barrett is a current Maori All Black who plays his ITM Cup for Southland.”

mike fitzgeraldLock

Height 1.97mWeight 115kgD.O.B. 03.02.87Province Manawatu

“A strong set piece exponent and competitive second rower. Embodies the Chiefs’ mantra of hard working, good bugger.”

robbie frueanMidfield BackHeight 1.90mWeight 104kgD.O.B. 13.07.88Province Canterbury

“A big, powerful and fast midfielder, this former World U19 Player of the Year has been a handful for Super Rugby defences over the past four seasons.”

nathan harrisHookerHeight 1.86mWeight 106kgD.O.B. 08.03.92Province Bay of Plenty

“Nathan Harris is a dynamic and mobile young hooker.”

josh hohneckTighthead Prop

Height 1.90mWeight 118kgD.O.B. 06.02.86Province Bay Of Plenty

“A mobile and versatile prop. High work rate, abrasive attitude and well rounded skill set.”

andrew horrellMidfield Back/Fullback

Height 1.82mWeight 93kgD.O.B. 18.07.88Province Hawke’s Bay

“A highly versatile, calm and confident player who can adapt to any position needed. Intelligent player with an excellent skill set.”

nick croswellLoose Forward

Height 1.95mWeight 110kgD.O.B. 03.04.86Province Manawatu

“A versatile and competitive loose forward or lock. Nick is a very experienced and hard working good bugger.”

aaron crudenFirst five-eighth

Height 1.78mWeight 82kgD.O.B. 08.01.89Province Manawatu“A tough, world class director of the game with an attacking mindset. A constant threat, a creator of tries with a strong tactical boot.”

ross filipoLoose Forward

Height 1.98mWeight 114.kgD.O.B. 14.04.79Province Wellington

“A former All Black lock and winner of three Super Rugby Titles. Ross is very physical, competitive and experienced.”

tawera kerr-barlowHalfback

Height 1.87mWeight 89kgD.O.B. 15.08.90Province Waikato

“An aggressive and competitive halfback with a strong distribution game. Tawera has the ability to lead and be demanding of others.”

tanerau latimerOpenside Flanker

Height 1.83mWeight 101kgD.O.B. 06.05.86Province Bay of Plenty

“One of the hardest and most experienced flankers in the game. A respected leader and consistent performer.”

james loweWing

Height 1.87mWeight 101kgD.O.B. 08.07.92Province Tasman

“A stand out in the ITM Cup with his dynamic try scoring and power. James will be an exciting player to watch at this level.”

jamie mackintoshLoosehead Prop

Height 1.93mWeight 130kgD.O.B. 20.02.85Province Southland

“A highly competitive and experienced athlete. A proven leader with a quality work ethic.”

pauliasi manuProp

Height 1.84mWeight 115kgD.O.B. 23.12.87Province Auckland

“A strong hard carrying prop with explosive qualities. A sound set piece operator.”

rhys marshallHooker

Height 1.84mWeight 104kgD.O.B. 12.10.92Province Taranaki

“An energetic and enthusiastic young player with a great capacity for work.”

tevita kolomatangiLoose Forward

Height 1.89mWeight 105kgD.O.B. 07.09.88Province Tasman

“Tevita Koloamatangi is an impressive and versatile loose forward.”

antonlienert-brownSecond Five-Eighth

Height 1.85mWeight 96kgD.O.B 15.04.95Province Waikato

“Anton Lienert-Brown is a product of the Christchurch Boys High School First XV team.”

tom marshallFullback/Midfield Back

Height 1.83mWeight 91kgD.O.B. 07.05.90Province Tasman“Tom has a massive work ethic that has him highly involved in the game regardless of the position he’s playing. An impressive skill set complements his game awareness”

liam messamLoose forward

Height 1.90mWeight 108kgD.O.B. 25.03.84Province Waikato

“A player with an uncompromising attitude who leads by example with his enormous work ethic and polished skill set.”

mils muliainaCentre/Fullback

Height 1.83mWeight 92kgD.O.B. 31.07.80

“An All Blacks great who has achieved everything in New Zealand Rugby. This quality player’s experience will be invaluable both on and off the field.”

tim nanai-williamsFullback/wingerHeight 1.82mWeight 90kgD.O.B. 12.06.89Province Counties Manuka “A very powerful and dynamic player with the skillset to play multiple positions. Evasive, strong aerially and post tackle, and kicks confidently off both feet.” - Dave Rennie

charlie ngataiMidfield Back

Height 1.86mWeight 100kgD.O.B. 17.08.90Province Wellington“A national age grade sprint champion, he has the pace and skill set to play multiple positions effectively. Has a prodigious boot.”

augustine puluHalfback

Height 1.89mWeight 90kgD.O.B. 04.01.90Province Counties

“A powerful and energetic player. A constant threat, ability to challenge and create space for others.”

brodie retallickLock

Height 2.04mWeight 121kgD.O.B. 31.05.91Province Bay of Plenty

“A world class lock with a massive work rate. Imposing physical presence and quality skill set.”

robbie robinsonFullbackHeight 1.81mWeight 88kgD.O.B. 22.08.89Province Southland“One of the quickest players in Super Rugby. An outstanding broken field runner, courageous in the air and an excellent kicker off both feet.”

mahonri schwalgerHooker

Height 1.80mWeight 106kgD.O.B. 15.09.78Province Counties Manukau

“A strong scrummaging hooker. One of the best in the business with vast experience in high pressure situations.”

liam squireLoose Forward

Height 1.96mWeight 113kgD.O.B. 20.3.91Province Tasman

“Liam is a tall and athletic loose forward, selected on the back of outstanding ITM Cup form. Strong lineout exponent. Physicality and power feature prominently in his game.”

matt symonsLock

Height 2.00mWeight 117kgD.O.B. 04.08.89Province Canterbury

“A physical and agile lock with great aerial skills who gets his first taste of Investec Super Rugby.”

ben tameifunaProp

Height 1.84mWeight 137kgD.O.B. 30.08.91Province Waikato

“A powerfully built tighthead, explosive and destructive with an excellent skill set.”

kane thompsonLock

Height 1.96mWeight 112kgD.O.B. 09.01.82

“A Super Rugby title winner with international experience. Analytical and skilful lineout leader who has the ability to cover No 8 and lock proficiently.”

asaelitikoirotumaWingerHeight 1.87mWeight 91kgD.O.B. 24.06.86Province Manawatu“Strong aerially and very rapid, his strength is his work rate and ability to roam on both sides of the field looking for action. Good communicator.”

(L-R) Dave Rennie, Head Coach Wayne Smith, Assistant Coach Tom Coventry, Assistant Coach Andrew Strawbridge, Assistant Coach

brad weberHalfback

Height 1.72mWeight 75kgD.O.B. 17.01.91Province Waikato

“The effective player with a sound kicking and organisational game, and a brave defender.”

1 Pauliasi Manu

2 Mahonri Schwalger

3 Ben Tameifuna

4 Michael Fitzgerald

5 Matt Symons

6 Nick Crosswell

7 Tanerau Latimer

8 Liam Messam (C)

9 Tawera Kerr-Barlow

10 Aaron Cruden (C)

11 Asaeli Tikoirotuma

12 Robbie Fruean

13 Charlie Ngatai

14 Tim Nanai-Williams

15 Mils Muliaina

16. Rhys Marshall 17. Jamie Mackintosh 18. Josh Hohneck 19. Tevita Koloamatangi 20. Liam Squire 21. Brad Webber 22. Andrew Horrell 23. James Lowe

Head Coach: Dave Rennie Assistant Coach: Tom Coventry Assistant Coach: Wayne Smith Assistant Coach: Andrew Strawbridge Team Manager: Stu Williams

chiefs vs highlanders

Matches: 21 Chiefs win 14, Highlanders win 7

Highest scores: Chiefs: 50, Rotorua 2001

Highlanders: 38, Dunedin 2000

Biggest winning margins: Chiefs: by 31, Rotorua 2001

Highlanders: by 32, Dunedin 2000

Recent matches: 2013: Chiefs 19-7, Hamilton Chiefs 41-27, Dunedin 2012: Chiefs 20-7, Hamilton 2011: Chiefs 20-7, Hamilton

Referee: Rohan HoffmannAR1: Garratt WilliamsonAR2: Brendon PickerillTMO: Ben Skeen

1 Kane Hames

2 Liam Coltman

3 Chris King

4 Jarrad Hoeata

5 Joe Wheeler

6 Gareth Evans

7 John Hardie

8 Nasi Manu (co-captain)

9 Aaron Smith

10 Lima Sopoaga

11 Malakai Fekitoa

12 Shaun Treeby

13 Winston Stanley

14 Richard Buckman

15 Ben Smith (co-captain)

16. Brayden Mitchell 17. Matias Diaz 18. Craig Millar 19. Josh Bekhuis 20. Shane Christie 2. Fumiaki Tanaka 22. Trent Renata 23. Phil Burleigh

chiefs vs highlanders

Matches: 21 Chiefs win 14, Highlanders win 7

Highest scores: Chiefs: 50, Rotorua 2001

Highlanders: 38, Dunedin 2000

Biggest winning margins: Chiefs: by 31, Rotorua 2001

Highlanders: by 32, Dunedin 2000

Recent matches: 2013: Chiefs 19-7, Hamilton Chiefs 41-27, Dunedin 2012: Chiefs 20-7, Hamilton 2011: Chiefs 20-7, Hamilton

Referee: Rohan HoffmannAR1: Garratt WilliamsonAR2: Brendon PickerillTMO: Ben Skeen

Head Coach: Jamie Joseph Assistant Coach: Scott McLeod

Assistant Coach: Jon Preston Assistant Coach: Tony Brown

Team Manager: Graham Purvis

Printed in Partnership with Gallagher Print house

alive with prideGrab your 2014 Chiefs Jersey and get a free limited edition poster*.youtube.com/adidasrugbytv*While stocks last

The Chiefs are preparing for the 2014 season and are particularly excited to share the story of our new jersey with you. The 2014 Chiefs jersey is designed by Dave Burke, Luke Crawford, and Wally Rifle who have a close association with many of the team’s senior players. They worked closely with a team of Māori advisers to ensure the designs used are appropriate and meaningful to add value to the Chiefs’ successful and winning ways. This project was done alongside the Chiefs franchise - including senior players and management and the marketing team.

2014jerseyrevealed

The jersey design is centered on three main themes:1. KOTIATE (central shape in black) Hand held clubs used by chiefs in warfare.

2. AWA (flowing yellow kowhaiwhai) Waterways which when combined into a single centralised flow become unstoppable.

3. ARA POUTAMA (red background) The stairway to success urging players toward continued development and growth.

kotiateBLACK HANDHELD CLUB

ara poutamaRED BACKGROUND

awaYELLOW WATERWAYS

The defining design is the Kotiate(Chiefs Weapon), which is a handheld club used

in times of battle. The design means playersenter each game armed and ready for action with

A WEAPON FIT FOR A CHIEF.

A black tattooed face forms the bottom part of the Kotiate and represents those people players carry with them onto the field. For many this is whānau and family. The face is strategically positioned on the stomach (puku) where Māori believe strength is drawn just as they draw strength from their families.

The mangōpare design (hammerhead shark) is also incorporated in the waterways and represents tenacity, strength and determination, which a chief must display to be successful.

The top part of the Kotiate has the stylised claws and teeth of taniwha in the region of the chest. This injects sting into the most important part of the weapon so there is impact when the Kotiate strikes. This part of the Kotiate is called ‘Te Rau o te patu” and is there to dispatch the opposition in battle.

The flowing yellow kowhaiwhai patterns encircling the Kotiate depict waterways; these represent the rivers and lakes from players home unions. These waters flow overland and subterranean to combine with the Waikato River and the region where the team is based. The well-known proverbial saying associated with the Waikato River says:

“WAIKATO TANIWHĀ RAU, HE PIKO HE TANIWHĀ, HE PIKO HE TANIWHĀ”“Waikato of a hundred chiefs, at every turn of the river a chief” - The taniwhā are guardians clearly visible at each twist of the design and represent all those who support the Chiefs team.

The red background has the ‘Ara Poutama” design. This depicts an upward staircase, which urges players to keep striving for continued success through constantly improving themselves individually and as a team.

"TE TĪMA O NGĀ TOA - KŌKIRI WHAKAMUA KIA EKE PANUKU, EKE TANGAROA""MIGHTY CHIEFS - ADVANCE TO VICTORY!"

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A quick line out throw-in which led to a Robbie Fruean try and All Blacks centurion and former Chiefs’ captain Mils Muliaina was back into Chiefs rugby as though he had never left.After two years playing for NTT DoCoMo Red Hurricanes in Japan Mils is rapt to be ‘home’.

“The pace of the game was fast and the lungs were working overtime in that first 20 minutes,” said Muliaina.

The opportunity to come back to New Zealand extended by the Chiefs was quickly snapped up by Muliaina who made his decision instantly and it is one he is very happy with.

Muliaina said “Having worked with Smithy (Wayne Smith) and Chiefs Manager Stu Williams before, both of whom I highly respect, was another attraction to an already appealing opportunity.

Since Muliaina has been away things have changed at the Chiefs and it didn’t take long for him to notice them.

“I didn’t realise how much I would miss the New Zealand style of rugby. I loved the culture and the people in Japan and it was a great experience but I am very happy to be home.”

milsbackis

Muliaina returned to the Chiefs earlier than expected as he was recovering after his tendon came off the elbow in Japan but is ready go and with one game already under his belt, he can’t wait for the rest of the season.

“He has been great, like a young kid coming into the Chiefs. He’s really excited by the environment and his experience will be huge for our group,” said Chiefs coach Dave Rennie.

For the Samoan born player, it all started when his family moved to Invercargill to join other relatives when he was just two years old.

The talented back began his sporting career as a four year old, playing league. He attended Surrey Park Primary School and converted to rugby at Tweedsmuir Intermediate with second five-eighth as his playing position.

Muliaina fondly recalls how much he loved school, especially the sporting aspect of the educational programme, where he enthusiastically seized every opportunity to play any type of sport that was on offer.

After intermediate Mils went to Cargill High School which closed down due to low numbers, so he moved to Southland Boys High where he made the 1st XV at the age of 16 and shifted to centre. In his last year he took up a scholarship at Kelston Boys High School in Auckland to join his brother and became a winger.

He made the NZ Secondary Schools XV, helping his side win the 1988 world championship. He repeated the victory the following year with the World Champion Under 19 side.

Muliaina was spotted at the infamous Taupiri Sevens by guru Sir Gordon Tietjens and represented New Zealand 1999 winning the Hong Kong sevens. His pathway into high honours continued with Muliaina selected to be part of the world champion NZ Colt Under 21s in both 2000 and 2001. He played for Auckland ITM Cup side as a winger in 2000, making the Blues under Gordon Hunter and Frank Oliver the following year.

Success with the New Zealand Sevens team continued with the Manchester Commonwealth games in 2002.

The team won a gold medal which Mils describes as a hugely satisfying feeling.

More titles followed with the Blues winning the Super Rugby championship in 2003, led by coaches Sir Graham Henry, Peter Sloane and Grant Fox with the icing on the cake the selection into the All Blacks that same year.

Muliana found out he had made the All Blacks by watching the team announcement live on television.

“It was an emotional time and I didn’t think that coming from Invercargill it was an achievable goal. I thought it was just a dream and then it happened, I just couldn’t believe it,” said Mils.

In 2006 Muliaina moved to Chiefs Country and played for Waikato, winning the National Provincial Competition alongside Tanerau Latimer and Liam Messam. He played his first Chiefs game and in 2008 had a stint at captaining the side when Jono Gibbs was out. He took over the reigns permanently the following year, taking his side to a Super Rugby final in 2009, and racked up 100 Super Rugby matches in 2011.

The 2011 Rugby World Cup was bittersweet for Muliaina. He was rapt to have made the squad and became part of an elite group of All Blacks when he notched up his 100th match in the black jersey in the quarter final against Argentina. However he injured his shoulder in the match and was out for the rest of the competition.

A highlight for Muliaina was the presentation of his centurion cap by rugby icon Jock Hobbs.

With 104 Super Rugby and 100 All Blacks matches to his name, Muliaina made the decision to go to Japan as an exit plan from rugby, but instead it made him hungrier for the game. It is that hunger for the game that he hopes to put into solid performances for his beloved Chiefs in 2014 and help the Chiefs to their goal of a 3-peat.

“The Chiefs environment is hugely different. The way they go about their structures and prepare is really refreshing. The intensity is high and it is impressive,” he said.

“To have Jock present my cap was something I will treasure for life. He was a great man and did so much. People didn’t realise how important he was in the All Blacks environment. He was down to earth, genuine and really passionate about the guys.”

chiefsroundTWO CHIEFS WIN 18-10

vs crusaders

followthe chiefs:

www.facebook.com/ chiefsrugby

on instagram: @chiefsrugby

#chiefs2014

on twitter: @chiefsrugby

A CASINO, SIX BARS AND RESTAURANTS AND A FUNCTION CENTRE - THE

ENTERTAINMENT CHOICES ARE ENDLESS!

346 Victoria Street, Hamilton Ph 834 4900 I www.skycityhamilton.co.nz

GAME RESPONSIBLY. R20 TO ENTER THE CASINO.

HAMILTON’S PREMIERENTERTAINMENT DESTINATION

Chief creatives since 1971...

BRAND | PRINT | WEB CREATIVES

021 820221 | mike@�rstkick.co.nz | www.�rstkick.co.nz

differencespotthe

junior chief hunter connelly, aged 6Who’s in your family? Mum, Dad & Georgia

What school do you attend? Rototuna Primary School

Which Chiefs member would you like to play cards with? Brodie Retallick

If you were running out onto the field as a Chief, what song would you like to be playing in the stadium? Happy by Pharrell Williams

If you could be in a band, what instrument would you play? Drums

Which Chiefs player would you like to dress up as a clown at your next birthday party? Aaron Cruden

If you were to cook a meal for a Chiefs player what would you serve up? Cheese Burgers

Chief creatives since 1971...

BRAND | PRINT | WEB CREATIVES

021 820221 | mike@�rstkick.co.nz | www.�rstkick.co.nz

robbie frueanMidfield Back

Answers: 1. pink band on headgear, 2. photo on lanyard, 3. no Chiefs

logo on shorts, 4. Investec logo in background turns blue, 5. extra

adidas stripe on headgear, 6. new line painted on the field

for our MANA CARDS!

Start your collection at our next

home game against THE STORMERS

on March 14th...

colourmein

keep outeyean

MIMICO is the New Zealand distributor for Kobelco excavators, Metso mobile and fixed rock crushers and screens, ZF mixer drives and transmissions, Atlas Copco rock breakers and demolition equipment, plus genuine parts and nationwide service.

www.mimico.co.nzFreephone 0800 806 464E-mail enquiries@mimico.co.nz

We’re a big

part of your businessChiefs sponsors Mimico based in Matamata are the official Kobelco supplier throughout New Zealand and made various introductions between the Chiefs and Kobelco.

The Chiefs exclusive Japanese partnership agreement will provide a long-term and mutually beneficial relationship for the Chiefs and the Kobelco Steelers.

Mimico Managing Director Rex Davies said “As part of the Chiefs sponsorship family we are happy to support the team in any way we can and I know this partnership will benefit all those involved.”

The arrangement will involve rugby high performance development exchanges between the two rugby clubs. The Kobelco Steelers coaches and players will visit the Chiefs during the Investec Super Rugby season and Chiefs coaches and team management staff will head to Japan during the Kobelco Steelers’ season.

Chiefs Rugby Club CEO Andrew Flexman said “This is an important relationship for us as we believe it provides genuine value for both the Chiefs and the Kobelco Steelers. From a Chiefs perspective it aligns with our strategic objectives around fostering international relationships and continuing to develop our brand globally.”

Photo supplied by Mimico

chiefs enter japanese high performance partnership

The current back-to-back Investec Super Rugby champions have entered a high performance partnership with Japanese rugby club, the Kobelco Steelers and there is a local link in the relationship.

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