By CHRIS RATTUE
Rating out of 10: 4
A muddling year in finishing eighth. It was a familiar story under new coach Kevin Greene - the odd good result, respectable losses, yet too many bad games. The Chiefs were quickly out of the hunt in a season where they had six home games and another in Auckland.
The trouble is that the longer it goes on, the more they get judged by past efforts. The Chiefs are in danger of becoming lovable losers who score plenty, give a few more away, and never improve the core of their operation.
Biggest plus and minus
A major plus was the new Hamilton stadium, which has already wowed the punters. Franchises need money, and a good stadium is vital. It will also allow Waikato to make more revenue from New Zealand-allocated matches.
The biggest minus was not being in the hunt for a semifinal place at the end. Like too many sides this season, the Chiefs made up the numbers.
Three standout players
Marty Holah: His consistent effort was at the heart of the Chiefs campaign.
Mark Ranby: Likewise with Ranby. As with last season, he was the king of consistency in defence and attack, although he lacks the touches of a player such as Aaron Mauger.
Roger Randle: He was a try scorer supreme who increased his general involvement.
Three who fell short of expectations
Deon Muir: His problem was injury. He just wasn't there enough, and boy was he missed.
Rhys Duggan: He was briefly an All Black. Now he has slid behind Danny Lee for the No 9 job.
Keith Lowen: He was an All Black training squad member last year. By the end of the campaign he had lost his spot to Nick Collins.
Best and worst displays
The best came at Invercargill, and the return of Muir inspiring a triumph over the Highlanders. It was the Chiefs' only win over a team who finished higher.
The worst was the lethargic opening-round loss to the Waratahs in front of a poor crowd in Rotorua.
What do they need to make the semis?
Tactically, plug a leaky defence.
They need more high-class players, especially in the tight five, and a stronger squad to create pressure and cover injuries.
Waikato could take the selfish approach, and try to form a super province a la Canterbury and Otago. It's an obvious ploy. But there is a reluctance to do that. It is hard seeing this squad in the semifinals, yet too early to fairly judge Kevin Greene.
Super 12 schedule and results
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