Rugby: Messam back to boost pack

Chiefs captain Liam Messam will add starch to the forwards against the Brumbies. Picture / Getty Images

Chiefs wary of continuing curious trend which sees side outgunned by Aussie ambushes

If the Chiefs are looking to increase their physicality and reverse a growing hoodoo against Australian opposition, then recalling Liam Messam is a handy place to start.

The returning All Black will captain the side and add a powerful presence on the blindside for tomorrow night's clash with the Brumbies in New Plymouth, where the Chiefs will be provided with their first chance to arrest a curious trend.

While the Brumbies beat the Chiefs twice last season, including a season-ending defeat in the playoffs, the Canberra-based side weren't the only team from the lucky country to trouble Dave Rennie's men.

The Chiefs last year lost four of their five encounters with Australian opposition, beating the Rebels but also dropping games against the Force and Waratahs. Rennie's three-year reign has produced six wins and six defeats against Australian sides, compared to a healthy 26-8 record against Kiwis or South Africans.

"It's certainly something we've looked at," Rennie said. "There's certainly no lack of respect. As we know, they've had the wood on us and we've lost a couple of times at home to Aussie sides as well. We need to be really focused on that."

Much of that focus, when looking at a statistical breakdown of the last three seasons, will be on the attack. While the Chiefs have averaged 28.7 points per game during Rennie's tenure, that figure drops to 24.8 when meeting teams from across the ditch.

Tries are down (3.3 vs 2.5), with clean breaks (9.4 vs 8.6) and metres made (474 vs 460) also below average, suggesting defences that are toughening up and preventing the Chiefs from unleashing their potent attacking weapons.

"I think it's just the way they play," Messam said. "They're really physical and they get really quick ball and they're really smart. I think that's one of their strengths - how smart they are with their rugby nous. It's just making sure that we can adapt to whatever situation happens on the field."

Messam's experience will certain help his charges make the necessary adjustments, especially after learning a few things while on a watching brief during his week off. The 30-year-old played the part of frustrated fan in Saturday's narrow win over the Blues, gaining new insights about both his teammates and the coaches.

"Oh mate, I was terrible. I was in the coaches' box and it's easier playing the game then being the coach - you can see why the old fella gets greyer as the season goes longer," Messam said with a laugh and a glance in Rennie's direction.

"It was tough watching the boys and not being involved. That just gives you itchy feet when you start watching that so I'm really excited to hopefully get the opportunity this week to run out with the boys."

Aaron Cruden will join Messam in running out consigning Damian McKenzie to the bench after an outstanding debut against the Blues, with Brodie Retallick the only All Black on the bench.

Super Rugby centurion Hosea Gear will make his Chiefs debut on the left wing. ITM Cup player of the year Seta Tamanivalu is set to make his Super Rugby debut in front of his home fans after being named among the reserves.

Chiefs v Brumbies
Yarrow Stadium, 7.35pm tomorrow
1. James Lowe
2. Bryce Heem
3. Charlie Ngatai
4. Sonny Bill Williams
5. Hosea Gear
6. Aaron Cruden
7. Brad Weber
8. Maama Vaipulu
9. Sam Cane
10. Liam Messam (c)
11. Michael Fitzgerald
12. Matt Symons
13. Siate Tokolahi
14. Hika Elliot
15. Jamie Mackintosh

Reserves:
Seta Tamanivalu, Damian McKenzie, Augustine Pulu, Tevita Koloamatangi, Brodie Retallick, Ben Tameifuna, Pauliasi Manu, Quentin MacDonald