Ask Kamo: Latimer sets tone of how the Chiefs want to play

Tanerau Latimer of the Chiefs. Photo / Getty Images

Opinion

Q. It's been a gutsy call by the Chiefs to start Tanerau Latimer ahead of the chosen one, Sam Cane. Do you agree with it?

Dave Rennie has got the perfect one-two punch with his two outstanding openside flankers and his selection of Latimer ahead of Cane is right for his team and how it sets up their game.

Starting with the hard-working Latimer sets the tone for the Chiefs' forward pack in competing at the breakdown with his ability to drive arms, legs and bodies past the ball. This commitment, which requires desire and heart, feeds through to the other members of the team and they all want to follow and back up a true Chiefs warrior.

He is also a natural leader of men and the epitome of what this Chiefs team is about - hard work, pride, family, fun and never making it easy for the opposition. When Tanerau's time is done Cane comes on to close the deal. Sam's accuracy across the park, his linking play and low penalty count make him perfect to build on the work his mate has done. The Chiefs are very fortunate to have both men and both will play a big part tomorrow night.

Q. How have the Brumbies managed to stay so successfully under the radar?

With respect to the Brumbies, they have led the Australia conference from week one and deserved that title having beaten all of the other Australia sides and three of our own.

They lost to the Crusaders in Canberra and didn't play the Chiefs during the round-robin phase. So make no mistake, these guys have been on the radar with their accuracy and detail but have a canny old coach in Jake White who can deflect that spotlight away from his side to ease the pressure.

Their simple game plan of a strong set-piece, domination of territory through a good kicking game backed up by a good kick-chase system, and their ruthless attitude of turning pressure into points may not have got them the headlines this side of the Tasman but this is a team worthy of a finals berth.

Q. Who wins, by how many, and why?

Providing the Chiefs respect the occasion, the game and the opposition - they have shown so far that they will - then the Chiefs will go B2B (back to back) as their catchcry has been. Let themselves down in any one of those areas and the Brumbies will pounce, seize on that attitude weakness and spoil the party.

By how many is irrelevant, but I believe they will need to start the stronger, quicker of the two sides and try to establish, then maintain, a 10-point gap. Get this and they will start to force the Brumbies into chasing the game, something they are not used to. This will open things up, playing into the Chiefs' hands. By keeping it within nine points, the Brumbies will always be a chance with their discipline and structure.

Why the Chiefs to win? More attacking options across the paddock and a fitting farewell for Captain Fantastic, Craig Clarke. Final score 25-14.

Go the Chiefs and enjoy your night.