Super rugby: Latimer itching for Super return

Chiefs flanker Tanerau Latimer is looking forward to the new Super Rugby season. Photo/Supplied

The term warrior is thrown around far too often in sport.

It seems anyone who shows an inkling of courage claims the mantle and marketing gurus often use it to boost the image of sports teams.

But when it comes to Tanerau Latimer there is no doubt he deserves the title.

The 27-year-old flanker has had a superior work ethic and fearless approach in his role as an openside flanker ever since Sir Gordon Tietjens plucked him out of the Tauranga Boys' College First XV in the 2003-2004 season.

In some ways Latimer has been unlucky with his timing, having Richie McCaw ahead of him in the All Blacks for most of his career and recently Steamers and Chiefs teammate Sam Cane has stepped up to be the preferred back-up.

But bemoaning his luck and looking for negatives does not fit well with the boy from Rangiuru.

He is focusing on what should be a memorable 2014. He wants to help the Chiefs to a third consecutive Super Rugby title and is close to a personal milestone with 98 Super Rugby appearances to his name (Chiefs 93, Crusaders 5).

"It is a challenge but it's a good challenge for us," Latimer said. "The Chiefs are no longer back door contenders, you know, and everyone's looking at us, so I guess we are at the forefront of people's minds when we play them.

"So the challenge is set for us and it will be even bigger than the last two years, so we are really looking forward to it. Personally I can't wait until this season kicks off."

Latimer missed the Maori All Blacks' end of season tour last year to have surgery on a long-term arm injury and is feeling physically as good as he has for years. He did have a minor hiccup last week in the gym which he puts down to trying to compete with the younger guys around him, like Steamers teammate Carl Axtens.

"The young fella was showing me up so I tried to lift the same weight as him and tore my pectoral muscle a bit!"

Fitness-fanatic Latimer has found this pre-season has been easier physically than other years because of the outstanding condition the players were in after the Christmas break.

"It has actually got a bit easier. Why I say that is because the boys have turned up in really good nick. (Steamers hooker) Nathan Harris did a 19.3 in his yo-yo test which is now the benchmark for the front rowers. So it is more about the technical side of our rugby now, not so much the thrashing of the bodies."

It speaks volumes about the professionalism of the Chiefs and a fair bit about how much every player wants to be in the match-day 22.

The Chiefs have recruited some outstanding players to add to an already top-class squad, including Tom Marshall, former All Black Mils Muliaina and Samoan international Kane Thompson.

But typically Latimer is not buying all the hype and positive press floating around the Chiefs camp.

"We have one of the better looking squads, and have got all the players we need, but we have to walk the walk."