 There aren't many things you can count on in life but the Chiefs losing their opening game of the season is one of them. Throw in a tricky trip to the Republic, a visit to the powerhouse Sharks, a few absentees and Donald at 10 and there seemed nothing more certain than a heroic Chiefs loss in the first round. They hadn't won an opening game since 2004 (Lord Jacko and the semi-finals that year). It certainly was an unlikely win and until the final 10 minutes of drama, the Sharks looked fairly safe.
With the rain pouring down, both teams settled for the bomb and grind approach and some of the Chiefs kicking was pretty woeful - yes I'm looking at you Mr Donald - although Delany wasn't much better and Colin Bourke seemed to possess the best aerial punt. Only in the second half did the Chiefs finally try to move the ball through the hands and that was when they started to make progress. At 15-9 down, they eventually scored a try to take the lead, the impressive Willison dotting down after Bourke and Sivivatu had transferred the ball slickly.
When all they had to do was hang on to a 16-15 lead, Kahui (who had a shocker) obstructed and it was an easy kick for the Sharks to take the lead again. With only seconds left, the Chiefs managed to disrupt the Sharks ball causing them to knock-on, man picking up ball in offside position made it a penalty and Donald potted it.
Anyway onto the Bay players. There were 3 starters, Latimer, Bourke and Delany and Retallick, Hona and Polu came off the bench.
Tanerau Latimer was his usual self, head down and never far from the action. Good solid game.
Colin Bourke went very well in my humble opinion. He isn't Lauaki which means you don't get the barnstorming runs but you do get work-rate and ball skills, not to mention some huge bombs. It might be an idea to have him on the bench when Lauaki returns so Lauaki can work hard for 50 minutes and then let Bourke take over.
Mike Delany had a tidy game in the main, although his slight frame is not best suited to a game in the wet and running the ball back at large Boks. He couldn't get the range with the bomb but showed nice skills to chip and chase and be cut down only a yard short.
Culum Retallick was a revelation and is the Mafia Man of the Match (eligibility requirements - must play for Bay of Plenty). Coming on at half-time in place of Kevin O'Neill, he was into everything, winning lineout-ball, making strong runs and tackling anything that moved. Even the South African commentators noticed him so he must have been busy. With O'Neill going home with injury, Retallick has the chance to make the locking spot his own.
Jason Hona and Junior Polu came on in the closing minutes - didn't notice Hona but Junior showed that he has a much better pass than Leonard.
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