Perth a chance for Chiefs to get back on course

The Chiefs aren't beating themselves up after a miserable opening fortnight in the Super 14.

They lost both games in South Africa - at least one of which they badly blew, against a 14-man Cats team - but can get back on course when they play newcomers the Force in Perth early tomorrow.

The enlarged competition offers teams the chance to recover from a wobbly patch and as centre Mark Ranby admitted yesterday, the Chiefs have had their slipup at the start.

"[Coach] Ian Foster made the point we've blown a couple of weeks of the competition, but it would be really stupid if we went on and stuffed up the next couple," Ranby said yesterday.

"We've identified that we need to trust each other a little more and not try to make up for mistakes by other guys, just concentrate on our own roles and make sure we nail those."

On paper, the Chiefs should be as threatening an offensive unit as most going around. But the problems have been up front, where they've failed to achieve dominance over average opponents.

Foster has made a string of changes to the pack, with Jono Gibbes back to start the match at lock after playing 20 minutes against the Cats last weekend.

Ranby is enjoying working the midfield with second five-eighths Sam Tuitupou, who has been the pick of the Chiefs backline so far.

It is the first time the pair have linked up, but Ranby ruefully admitted he's been on the receiving end of a few bullocking shoulder hits when they've squared off in past seasons.

"He's certainly a dynamic player and a neat guy to have in the side. He's been fantastic and is so good at getting over the advantage line."

As for the Force, they've been beset by injuries and are also winless in their debut campaign. Under the coaching of Foster's old Waikato captain John Mitchell, the Force look useful at retaining the ball, but lack some attacking punch.

They have vociferous support at Subiaco Oval, another aspect Ranby is relishing.