Chiefs hoping for wizardry from promoted back

Derek Maisey is rapidly becoming the Mr Fixit of the Chiefs and Waikato backlines.

And it looks like his services will be required again tomorrow, with the Chiefs hoping he might produce the same debut-season Midas touch against the Crusaders that he reserved for his old Canterbury side in the NPC two years ago.

With Regan King already ruled out for the season and Mark Ranby out again this week with a hamstring injury, Maisey has become a frontline midfield back in his first Super 12 season.

He has mostly played at first five-eighth for Waikato, having now chalked up 22 appearances for the province.

It was in that role two years ago that he scored three tries against Canterbury.

But he has moved out one position to a midfield role with the Chiefs.

Coach Ian Foster is keen to use him as an extra playmaker and pivot in the backline.

It was a success in the Chiefs' win against the Blues a fortnight ago and Maisey loved every minute of it.

"Everyone played well, which helps, but I was in a new position and marking a backline like that ... "

Having trained fulltime at second five-eighth rather than first-five for the past three months or so, Maisey is getting used to the different role that has been only an occasional one for Waikato.

With greater defensive requirements these days at first-five, which is an area teams often target with their attack, he is not finding the demands at second-five too different.


Maisey said he focused so intently on the game that he had little time to compare Super 12 to NPC, but said if anything the game was faster but not as physical at this level.

"It is physical in the first 10 minutes [in Super 12], yes, but it becomes so fast that it is just hit and move."

As a result of that and getting to train as a fulltime professional for the first time, Maisey believes he is fitter than he has ever been.

"I guess that suits someone like me having to fill in at second-five because with the faster game I can handle that, whereas with something more of a crash-bash I would probably come second."

With his first-five background, he revels in the chances to act as first receiver, getting most of his opportunities on the short side.

- NZPA