Rugby: Polwart ready to roll at Chiefs

New Chiefs flanker Sean Polwart in action for the Maori All Blacks last year. Photo / Getty Images

Trying to replace Tanerau Latimer and compete with All Black Sam Cane would test the resolve of any player.

But for new Chiefs openside flanker Sean Polwart it is a challenge he is relishing after being left on the sidelines for the past three seasons with the Blues.

The 24-year-old Maori All Black with 47 games in the blue and white Auckland hoops is looking to rekindle his promising career at the Chiefs. He is one of only two specialist No 7s selected alongside Cane.

Polwart had just five games for the Blues and found two former Tauranga boys in brothers Dan and Luke Braid in his way. Then when a chance did come, the Blues preferred Hawkes Bay's Brendon O'Connor.

"The first year was more about me learning and I was young and was not too worried about game time that year. But that was actually where I got most of my games but the following couple of years there was Dan and then Luke and a lot of tough competition up there.

"I just couldn't seem to pave my way up there. I managed to get a lot of game time for Auckland and that is where I made all my development and improvements in my game. Now I just want to get better and continue to improve.

"Obviously I want to make a stand and get some game time and if I do I will make the most of those opportunities I am confident in myself that I can play at this level.

Polwart has worked with the three Chiefs coaches in head Dave Rennie, and assistants Andrew Strawbridge and Tom Coventry in the past. He loves the environment at the Chiefs, which is trademark Rennie.

"Dave allows the players to have a say. We're the ones playing the game and he allows us to make decisions on how we are going to play and everyone buys into it together," Polwart said. "That is one of Dave's great traits and everyone seems to be on the a level playing field which he has created down here at the Chiefs. It doesn't seem like anyone is above everyone else - everyone's equal."