Replacing former All Black Aaron Cruden in the No.10 jersey presents perhaps the biggest headache for stand-in Chiefs coach Clayton McMillan.
Ever since Cruden first left in 2017, the Chiefs have struggled to find someone to unlock their attacking potential. This was evident this year, when they scored only 14 tries in Super Rugby Aotearoa - nine less than the next worst attack.
Warren Gatland often opened games with Bay of Plenty utility Kaleb Trask at first-five, bringing veteran Cruden off the bench.
With Gatland taking a year off to coach the British & Irish Lions, the Chiefs have brought in another Gatland to try to spark their attack.
Bryn Gatland joins from the Highlanders, after an outstanding Mitre 10 campaign with North Harbour, where he was the competition's leading scorer. He will battle with Trask and Rivez Reihana for top billing.
Unless McMillan turns the team back over to Damian McKenzie at the pivot.
On paper, the Chiefs have an explosive backline, but need a young gun to step up and run the show.
Gains
Kaylum Boshier heads the 10 new faces in the 2021 squad, along with Gatland, Sione Mafileo, Josh Lord, Xavier Roe, Reihana, Jonah Lowe, Chase Tiatia and Simon Parker.
Boshier will join brother Lachlan in a squad that is highlighted by the depth and experience in the loose forward trio. With All Blacks Sam Cane, Lachlan Boshier and Luke Jacobson on board, the younger Boshier will have his work cut out to crack the starting side.
Bay of Plenty’s Chase Tiatia returns to the Chiefs after two seasons at the Hurricanes. The exceptional counter attacker has been an integral part of the Steamers side under McMillan's guidance and will be looking to take one of the available wing spots.
Losses
While Cruden is a big loss, he was always only a short-term signing.
The biggest departure is All Blacks prop Nepo Laulala, who has signed with the Blues.
Laulala has established himself as one of the premier props in New Zealand, with 30 test caps and 86 Super Rugby caps to his name, and replacing his experience and ability will be a big ask.
Along with Cruden, the Chiefs have also let seven of their backline go, with Lisati Milo-Harris, Tiaan Falcon, Orbyn Leger, Tumua Manu, Solomon Alaimalo, Sam McNichol, Kini Naholo all getting the axe.
One to watch
After a breakout Mitre 10 Cup season for Waikato, halfback Xavier Roe will look to put pressure on incumbent Brad Webber.
His standout performance came in the opening round, where Roe completely outplayed All Black TJ Perenara in his first-ever match-up against an All Black.
With back-up halfback Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi losing form over the last two seasons, Roe has a perfect chance to crack the matchday 23.
A young star like Roe is maybe what the Chiefs need to spark their disappointing attack into life in 2021.
Possible starting XV: Reuben O’Neill, Nathan Harris, Angus Ta’avao, Tupou Vaa’i, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Lachlan Boshier, Sam Cane, Luke Jacobson, Brad Webber, Bryn Gatland, Sean Wainui, Anton Lienert-Brown, Quinn Tupaea, Shaun Stevenson, Damian McKenzie
2021 Chiefs Squad
Props: Sione Mafileo*, Atunaisa Moli, Ollie Norris, Reuben O’Neill, Aidan Ross, Angus Ta’avao
Hookers: Nathan Harris, Bradley Slater, Samisoni Taukei’aho
Locks: Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Josh Lord*, Laghlan McWhannell, Tupou Vaa’i
Loose Forwards: Kaylum Boshier*, Lachlan Boshier, Mitchell Brown, Sam Cane, Pita Gus Sowakula, Luke Jacobson, Mitchell Karpik, Simon Parker
Halfbacks: Xavier Roe*, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Brad Weber
First five-eighths: Bryn Gatland*, Rivez Reihana*, Kaleb Trask
Midfielders: Anton Lienert-Brown, Alex Nankivell, Bailyn Sullivan, Quinn Tupaea
Outside backs: Jonah Lowe*, Damian McKenzie, Etene Nanai-Seturo, Shaun Stevenson, Chase Tiatia*, Sean Wainui
*New players
