Brendon Leonard is in his sixth season with the Chiefs and has seen it all before, but he said there is an extra spring in the step of the players this year.

Whether that will be enough to propel the Chiefs to a Super Rugby season opening win against the Highlanders tonight at Waikato Stadium remains to be seen, but it is fair to say there is a fresh air of optimism in Chiefs country with a new regime in charge.

They have to back that up in a tough Kiwi conference opening to the competition, which sees them lock horns with the Highlanders, Blues and Crusaders in the first three weeks.

Leonard said with the new coaching staff, a lot of new faces in the team and a new training there’s a lot of excitement around, adding that the players were also enjoying the style of rugby the coaches were getting them to play.

His combination with Number 8 Fritz Lee and All Blacks first five eighth Aaron Cruden in the axis of the team will be crucial tonight if the Chiefs forwards can blunt a bruising Highlanders pack.

Meanwhile, the Crusaders have opened the Super Rugby season with a nail-biting 19-18 win over the Blues in Auckland last night.

Brumbies defeated Force 19-17 and Bulls defeated the Sharks 18-13 this morning.

At 6.35 tonight Chiefs will take on Highlanders and Waratahs will face Reds at 8.40pm.
 

Story by: Sofaia Koroitanoa