The Chiefs team has been named for Friday night's game against the Reds in Hamilton.
 
1. Sona Taumalolo 2. Hika Elliot 3. Nathan White 4. Romana Graham 5. Culum Retallick 6. Liam Messam 7. Tanerau Latimer 8. Colin Bourke 9. Brendon Leonard 10. Stephen Donald 11. Sitiveni Sivivatu 12. Callum Bruce 13. Richard Kahui 14. Lelia Masaga 15. Mils Muliaina (captain)

Reserves: 16. Aled de Malmanche 17.Toby Smith 18. Jarrad Hoeata 19. Luke Braid 20. Junior Poluleuligaga 21. Mike Delany 22. Dwayne Sweeney

Amazing stuff. 3 wins from 3 on the road for the Chiefs, 2 bonus points secured and 7 out of the final 10 games are at home. This is strange territory for the Chiefs, who specialise in terrible starts followed by great runs and then a flop at the end of the season to miss the top 4 (except last season of course).

It does appear that the Sharks, Lions and Force are destined to be the bunnies of the season but the games still have to be won. Also the Chiefs have suffered with injuries, suspension and enforced rests so have been some way from their first choice XV. Foster has also managed some rotation in these games as well, so all looks good for the rest of the season.

The game in Perth looked like a banana skin in waiting given the sweltering conditions, both first choice locks out, skipper Lauaki injured and star backs Sivivatu and Muliaina both absent. After the game, it seems the Chiefs have no problem with depth and maybe some of those first choice picks may be a little nervous for their spot when fit again.

So what of the Bay boys, 5 starting in this game which is a total we won't reach again this season I suspect.

Retallick - The lad just seems to get better and better, he must be very fit as he just seems to keep going and is present at every ruck. Lineout work excellent again and grabbed the important steal that ended at the other end of the pitch with Flash Masaga dotting down.

Latimer - I think Lats does what Foster requires of him. With Messam and Bourke playing loose, Lats makes his tackles and is first in support to every ruck. It won't win him many headlines but it is vital to the Chiefs fast game.

Bourke - Awful start for Bourkey, forward pass on a kick return and poor hands. I suspect he knows he won't get many starts so is desperate to do well. In the second half he looked more at ease and showed what he can do off the back of the scrum, I was picking he could get over for the try if he went hard.

Masaga - Flash is back. I still find it difficult to believe that he is now one of ours and it was a heady thought when he ran at defenders in Perth. Pace, power and just a tough man to bring down once he is moving. I am praying he plays really well for the Chiefs but not quite well enough to make the All Blacks so he plays a full season for the Bay. He'd put 2,000 on the gate alone.

Delany - Best game so far, came into the line well and did his full-back duties efficiently. Expect him to ride the pine for the rest of the season with Muliaina back which is a damn shame especially as it forces Nanai-Williams out of the 22 altogether. Hard for Foster to break up that backline though, it is fair humming.