Cane pays tribute to Rennie

Cape Town - Sam Cane has called on the Chiefs players to honour coach Dave Rennie through their performances in the final regular season home game of 2017.

The significance of this Saturday’s contest between the Chiefs and the Brumbies will only truly be realised retrospectively.

It could be the last time Rennie leads his team into battle at FMG Stadium, Waikato.

It could be the last performance at home for a very special group of long-serving players that includes Aaron Cruden, Tawera Kerr-Barlow and James Lowe.

Chiefs co-captain Cane said: “As far as special games go, our match on Saturday afternoon against the Brumbies is right up there.

"It’s our final guaranteed game at home this season and I’d love for thousands of our loyal fans to join me in the stands to honour Rens, Aaron and the boys who are leaving at the end of this season.

"Let’s give them a turnout befitting the massive contribution they’ve made to our club.” 

Whether the Chiefs play on home soil again this season is unknown, but some things are certain. It will be Stephen ‘Beaver’ Donald’s 100th Super Rugby competition game when he takes the field against the Brumbies on Saturday night. Having captained the Chiefs in international fixtures against Wales in 2016 and the British & Irish Lions last month, Donald has already celebrated his century milestone with the club.

The result of Saturday’s game will also ultimately decide the Chiefs quarter-final opponent.

Currently there are two scenarios; the preference sees the Chiefs pack their bags next Wednesday for Canberra to take on Australia’s best Super Rugby side, the Brumbies. The appeal of this scenario is solely due to the reduced travel time. To secure this, the Chiefs must defeat the Brumbies this weekend and in the later game, the Crusaders must draw with or beat the Hurricanes. The second scenario sees the Chiefs depart for Cape Town a mere seven hours after their match on Saturday to play the Stormers.