Eyes on the prize

Chiefs’ assistant coach Andrew Strawbridge has been credited with a lot of the team’s recent successes – but how did he fare in the PlaceMakers hotseat?

You can learn a lot about teamwork from sport. These guys know what it takes to enjoy collective success.

What role has the recruitment of young talent, such as Mitchell Graham, played in the Chiefs’ season so far?

Talent identification and recruitment are the key foundations for success. We recruit as much on character as we do on talent. Competitive edge and the ability to learn are significant traits we look for. Young men such as Mitch Graham, Damian McKenzie and Anton Lienert-Brown are prime examples.

How do you integrate that talent into the squad alongside the more experienced players?

We make it clear to each individual and to the entire team when we first assemble that everyone is expected to strive for starting positions from day one. We provide opportunities for the new men to lead and we work hard to ‘flatten’ the hierarchy in the team. We also work hard to teach our leaders to ‘lead’ and empathy is a strong characteristic amongst our leaders.

What would you attribute this season’s success to the most?

The team has embraced the need to grow and we’ve all worked hard to become better men and players. We push the need to work hard and live a ‘team first’ mentality.

How pleasing is it to see Aaron Cruden return so strongly from his injury?

Aaron has worked very hard to get back into top-level rugby, as has Tawera Kerr-Barlow. Long-term injury is a real test for a player and the dedication and drive displayed by both these men is reflective of the way they approach life in general. Having both of them fit and available greatly enhances our ability to be successful.

What sort of leadership does a player like Brodie Retallick provide on the field?

Brodie is a classic ‘by example’ leader. His numbers are always outstanding and this, combined with his high expectations of others, is significant in catering for our on-field leadership needs. Brodie is strategically adept and understands the game, so is great at providing strategic change during a game when required.

You travelled a lot early in the season – has the expanded schedule changed the way you manage players’ recovery?

Recovery is always a significant factor in a successful season. We have challenges around this in an eight-month campaign. It’s why we have enlisted the services of a PhD candidate to help explore/critique aspects of our recovery.

What was the goal at the start of this season and has it changed?

To win the competition, and it can’t change. Each week presents challenges and we break the season into sections to try and achieve this goal.