Wynne Gray: How to break the title drought

Chiefs coach Ian Foster is preparing his team for the extended Super season. Photo / Getty Images

Ian Foster has experienced most of the challenges Super Rugby can throw at coaches. He also carries a player's perspective from three seasons with the Chiefs in their formative years.

The career coach took the squad to the 2004 playoffs in his first year and the final two years ago but a competition title still eludes the Chiefs.

That is hardly a slight as only four teams have claimed that honour since Super Rugby emerged in 1996.

Foster was a five-eighths then, coming towards the end of a lengthy career before turning his experience, technical and man-management skills towards coaching.

"This is a long competition, a tough series and there are no shortcuts," he said.

"This time we do not have a three-game stint in South Africa and there is an increased number of local games which will boost the interest for players and the public."

The challenges for Foster and his crew revolved round the science of preparation, managing his players and the demands placed on them and dealing with the peaks they needed to find in an extended tournament.

The Chiefs had been battling through sweltering conditions over the summer and the squad were itching to start playing.

The side begins the series away to the Brumbies in Canberra on February 19, then away to the Highlanders before their first home game in round three against the new Rebels side.

Fullback Mils Muliaina will captain the side again and Foster expects he and the rest of his All Blacks will be available from the opening round.

They would get time off during the series and most squad members would be spelled at some stage.

No 8 Colin Bourke was a non-starter with the most optimistic forecast giving him a late May return after his shoulder operation.

"It's a massive blow for him. Colin started eight games for us last year and then went away and had a strong provincial season," Foster said.

In Bourke's absence, both Liam Messam and Fritz Lee will be tried from their blindside flanker roles while newcomer Hayden Triggs could be swapped from lock to blindside cover when the grounds were heavier later in the campaign.

Openside flanker Scott Waldrom has not trained much this week because of a back complaint but he was not expected to be out for long.

Midfielder Richard Kahui would not start until about the fourth round as he completed the final stages of his six- month rehabilitation from his third shoulder surgery.

Former All Black captain Tana Umaga is in the mix for midfield selection while also being an influential member of the leadership group.

"He has rehabbed his niggles well, he has exceeded expectations in training and settled in very well," Foster said.

"The original plan was something round the five to seven games mark but Tana has suggested we debate that a bit more. He still has a lot in him and is contributing widely to the group.

"Tana is very professional, determined and stimulating for others in the squad."

Wing Sitiveni Sivivatu was back training fully after the hamstring strain which eliminated him from the All Blacks last trip to Europe.

New signing Isaac Ross had received a clearance after minor knee surgery and was ready to get into the teamwork.

One of the intriguing selection duels facing Foster and his management will be measuring the work of five-eighths Stephen Donald and Mike Delany.

"Last year we played them together for three games and I guess that was moderately successful but that is not on our plans this time," said Foster. "We want them both to play well at first five- eighths."

"We are searching for depth in all positions and these two are keen and pushing each other hard."

With the extended season, injuries and form fluctuations, Foster was sure every player in the Chiefs would get their chance to contribute.