1
All Blacks halfback Brad Weber embracing unfamiliar territory with the Chiefs
By Online Editors
By Christopher Reive, NZ Herald
After a standout Super Rugby season in 2019 saw him secure a spot in the All Blacks squad, Brad Weber has started 2020 in unfamiliar territory.
As an All Black, Weber falls under player management protocols for the first three weeks of the season. As is the agreement between the Super Rugby clubs and New Zealand Rugby, All Blacks are restricted to 180 minutes of game time over the first three rounds in order to ease themselves back into their work.
Weber, who started all 15 matches he appeared in for the Chiefs a year ago, began the season in a bench role in the side's round one win over the Blues in Auckland, playing just 22 minutes in relief of fellow halfback Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi.
Continue reading below...
"It's a bit different for me. I would've loved to just get out there and rip into it, but I understand there are protocols in place so it has to be done," Weber told Radio Sport's Nigel Yalden.
"With nines these days, we don't often play 80 minutes anyway, so which every two are selected, it'll be a two-pronged attack."
Weber was one of five players with All Blacks experience on the Chiefs' bench for their win over the Blues, and that experience showed in the second half as the Chiefs steamrolled their hosts to overcome a halftime deficit and take the points.
They'll be looking to repeat the dose this weekend in their first home game of the year, with the defending champion Crusaders coming to town.
"For the majority of my time here and the Chiefs we've probably had the wood over the Crusaders," Weber said.
"I certainly enjoy playing them and I know everyone here does because we certainly try to rise to the occasion of playing against the defending champs at the moment.
"We're certainly not lacking motivation and there's no better time to get them and realise where we're at in the competition this early on."
This article first appeared on nzherald.co.nz and was republished with permission.
In other news:
Trending on RugbyPass
2
All Blacks XV player ratings vs Munster
3
Suaalii strikes awe as Wallabies lose midfielder
4
Borthwick, it's time to own up – Andy Goode
5
Latest Comments
The Saracens players are the ones who brought this habit into the England team and to be fair they rarely lose, they have a very strong winning culture. It is however very embarrassing when you suck.
Go to commentsYes but it will be very hard game for the ABs, Ireland will want some pay back and they are a fine team who can play the running dynamic game like we do. It was 3 tries all in the QF with some great rugby by both sides. We will probably see a good game and as you say not much in it. I am less worried than normal as I feel like our team is changing for the future at the moment, with the new coach, so we will get better over time. There is a lot of new talent coming through.
Go to comments