Rugby: Chiefs' tight five set themselves big challenge

Kane Thompson says the Chiefs are ready to try to dominate. Photo / Paul Taylor

The Chiefs' tight five is keen to turn its supposed weak link status on its head by quickly dominating opposition forward packs this season.

Lock Kane Thompson is new to the franchise but has seen plenty in his playing career and he has a message for the doubters who say the Chiefs look like thoroughbreds in the backs but ponies up front.

"We don't pay a lot of attention to what people on the outside are saying about us but we can't just talk it, we've got to show it on the field and that's the only way we're going to lose that tag," Thompson said. "We've got to front up and there is certainly belief within this team that we're strong up front. We're not looking to gain parity, we will try to dominate."

Thompson, 1.98m and 113kg, is an option at lock alongside co-captain Craig Clarke, Brodie Retallick, Mike Fitzgerald and Romana Graham. Chiefs' props include Ben Afeaki, Toby Smith, Sona Taumalolo and Ben Tameifuna.

Hooker Hika Elliot is perhaps the biggest name among them but he is put in the shade when compared to loosies Liam Messam, Tanerau Latimer and Sam Cane and backs Sonny Bill Williams, Richard Kahui and Aaron Cruden.

Thompson agreed that could be part of the reason why the tight five is perceived as comparatively weak.

"We've got a lot of talent out there in the backline and in the loose forwards. The tight five are probably a little bit lesser known in terms of big names but we're really confident we can take on any pack in the competition. We know teams will probably have a go at us there but we're looking forward to the challenge."

Thompson, 30, played for Samoa in the past two World Cups and comes to the Chiefs via a stint overseas at Dax in France. He began his Super rugby career with the Highlanders in 2006 and 2007 before moving overseas and returning to New Zealand in 2010.

He played in the first two pre-season matches for the Chiefs but a neck injury kept him out of the loss to the Hurricanes in torrential rain in Taupo last week.

But he hopes to be named on Thursday to play against some of his former team-mates when Jamie Joseph's Highlanders visit Waikato Stadium on Saturday.

"I played a bit under Jamie at Wellington as well and I know what they'll bring to the game. We'll have to be ready for it. They're always strong up front, that's the way Jamie coaches. They attack the breakdown, they're a physical team going by how they played last year - they caught a few teams by surprise but I think everyone will be ready for them this season."

The Chiefs forwards will be well drilled by Tom Coventry, Thompson's former coach at Samoa and Hawke's Bay, and are keen to make a name for themselves against the Highlanders and another derby the following week at home against the Blues.

Thompson added: "We need to make a statement early on."