Rugby: Raw talent to prop up the Chiefs pack

By WYNNE GRAY

Everyone knew Denis Hazelton at Te Aroha College.

For four years, he and Carl Hoeft were the bookend props for the school's first XV.

But when Hazelton's name was read out at the function to unveil the Super 12 squads this week, there were quizzical looks from many in the room.

There was the same reaction when Daniel Godbold was announced as another Chiefs' prop, a pair of relative unknowns in a high-profile series.

But both have convinced new Chiefs' coach John Mitchell that they have the potential to make it in the international competition.

Mitchell scouted hard for talent within the Chiefs' catchment, looking for local raw material he felt could advance in the tough tight-five zones of the Super 12.

Hazelton, a former Thames Valley rep and Waikato B player, and Godbold, a King Country and NZ Divisional player, won Mitchell's approval.

"It used to be our greatest strength in New Zealand - plucking the right people from obscurity who could make it," Mitchell said. "Their selection excites me and now it is my role to see we can make this work."

Last week the pair were told they had made the final 26 - a reward for ability, potential and hard work during the six weeks of conditioning slog demanded of the extended Chiefs' squad.

"I reckon this will have shocked a few people," Hazelton said yesterday as he convalesced after some minor ankle surgery.

"I was shocked when I got a run in the training squad and then made the final cut."

Godbold had been looked at last year by the Chiefs and after watching tapes of his play this season, Mitchell picked the vigorous, versatile prop.

Hazelton is even more adaptable, having played in all three front-row positions, though he was a tighthead prop at Te Aroha College with Hoeft.

"We also played club rugby together and won the championship.

"He carried on and I got to a NZ Colts trial, but that was it," Hazelton said.

"This is my last real chance at the top.

"I was going to go overseas if I didn't make it this time, but reaching the Super 12 is a real buzz.

"It will be great if I end up playing against Carl because we have never played against each other."

Mitchell said both his new props required more conditioning but had the physique and potential to cut it in the demanding Super 12.

He had been tough on all the Chiefs' contenders. They all had the chance to respond and the new props had come through.

"But there is a long way to go. We are off on a team-building exercise for four days in the middle of the North Island and then we will disperse until early January when we start on our rugby structures."