As Scotty on the SS Enterprise might have said “Ya canna change the laws of physics, TMO.” The TMO believes that you can prevent a 110kg man slamming a rugby ball into the turf by sliding your hand underneath the ball. This Fan believes that the TMO is clueless.  

The man missing out on the try was Bernie Upton, and he will be missing altogether next season as he has just signed for Wellington. The move makes a lot of sense for him, he will be back home and is sure to attract the interest of the All Black selectors in the way a tight forward for the Chiefs never can. We wish Bernie well as we tick another name off the great 2004 team list.

Tasman battled hard from start to finish in an entertaining game and there were a few worrying moments in the second half but our scrambling defence covered for the weakness in our initial tackling. 2 wins in 2 weeks and we now face Taranaki this Saturday night with the winner to clinch 4^th place and 2 home games in the repechage. 

Maybe more by accident than design, our backline is looking to take shape with Mike Delany looking assured in the 10 jersey and Murray Williams looking comfortable at full-back.  Aporo and Hughson is a dangerous midfield and with quicker ball we are looking a side that can score tries. Of course it helps when the ball is grounded once over the line. In turn that will assist my heart rate.

We can also work on playing the whole 80 minutes with 15 men on the park. 

I was slightly negative towards the Chiefs last week so the Fan in the Stand has spent a whole 5 minutes “brain-storming some positive radical ideas for franchise improvement.” These I present with no expectation of recognition. 

1. Win more games.
2. Do you think the Crusaders would get large crowds if they didn’t reach the final every season? Win more games.
3. Try to avoid losing to no hopers in early games thereby keeping semi-final hopes alive. In short, win more games.
4. Find a good first five. Donald was dropped for Hill last season and the only time the Chiefs made the semis was under the supreme direction of Sir Glen Jackson. This will help to win more games.
5. Win more games.