Liam Messam says the Chiefs took a step in the right direction in their Super Rugby win over the Sharks last week, but they still have plenty to work on ahead of their trip to the Melbourne Rebels on Friday.
The opening 20 minutes against the Sharks was some of the best rugby the defending champions have produced all year.
Messam wants to see that intensity and accuracy carried through for the full 80 minutes against the Rebels, who gave the Crusaders a torrid time before succumbing 30-26 late in the game in Christchurch.
The Chiefs’ loose forward trio has not been a settled selection this year thanks to injuries to Fritz Lee, Ross Filipo and now Nick Crosswell.
But Messam, who will line up alongside Sam Cane and Matt Vant Leven this week, won’t use that as an excuse and wants improvement in their effectiveness around the field, particularly in light of the way Scott Higginbotham, Jarrod Saffy and Kiwi Scott Fuglistaller played against the Crusaders.
“It’s just the accuracy and making sure that all our hard work has a bit of purpose in the things that we’re doing like our tackling and our ball carrying,” said the Chiefs’ co-captain.
“The Rebels are a very exciting team, not just their loose forwards, but also their backs and tight five. They like to play expansive footy.”