Chiefs sparkle back into life as the old fire returns

There we were about to start the post mortem on the Chiefs, as in the first two rounds their heartbeat had been so feeble and their play so passionless and directionless that their hopes of making the playoffs appeared all but over.

And then, just as they did last year, they turn in a performance against the Blues that was full of courage and at times a little skill. At the forefront was halfback Byron Kelleher, the All Black incumbent who was so outplayed by Justin Marshall last week. Last night, though, he was all energy and accuracy as he disrupted Steve Devine and delivered quality ball.

He was joined by Sione Lauauki as a contender for man of the match. The big Tongan had been confined to the bench in the earlier rounds. His cameo appearances were forgettable, though. Not last night. Maybe he just loves playing against the Blues or maybe he is just a slow starter.

Whatever, he looked like the Lauaki of old last night. Smashing defenders out of the way and showing an appetite for hard work.

Also back into some kind of form were Jono Gibbes and Marty Holah. Gibbes missed most of the pre-season and was short of conditioning. It showed in Christchurch.

He can't inspire if his hands are on his knees and his chest on fire. He's such the consummate professional, however, that it was always likely that once his fitness improved, so would his form.

Holah, too, was suffering a blip rather than some form of permanent crisis. Last night he dominated Daniel Braid, beating him to the breakdown several times and then using his greater strength to more telling effect.

Where the greatest improvement came was in defence, especially in midfield. Last week there was a feeling the Crusaders were about to score every time they went wide. Grant McQuoid, so wonderful for Bay of Plenty in the NPC last year, had looked out of his depth. Mark Ranby organised things last night and covered that crucial channel to prevent either Mils Muliaina or Joe Rokocoko ever really getting away. He also subdued Luke McAliser and gave the youngster good reason to be questioning why he is being fielded in the No 13 jersey.

What pleased Chiefs coach Ian Foster most was the commitment to the defence. The structure had been poor in previous rounds. That can be excused. Lack of passion can't. They will fancy notching another against the Reds next week. With victory comes confidence and belief - two of the key ingredients that had been missing.

Injuries had been another factor. Keith Robinson is unlikely to feature at all this campaign. He'd have provided graft, menace and security at the lineout. Tom Willis, the combative hooker, will definitely not play this season.

Sitiveni Sivivatu will be back in April and he'll add finishing power.