Chiefs and All Blacks legend Ian Jones has hailed hooker Samisoni Taukei’aho for his immense work rate during his side’s 31-10 first-round win over the Crusaders.
The front rower was an immense ball carrier for the Chiefs as they took on the Crusaders at their Christchurch stomping ground, amassing 20 metres and beating five defenders across the match.
Having skyrocketed into the national side in 2022 and cemented himself as the All Blacks’ starting No.2, Jones was impressed by Taukei’aho’s transition back to the Super level on Friday night.
“I need to give a big shout-out to Samisoni,” Jones told SENZ’s Chiefs Mana.
“I said last week (he’s the) world’s best 5-10 metres out, there is no question in the world about that but (I asked) is he the world’s best for the other kind of 80 metres of the paddock, and he was.
“His work rate was phenomenal. His ball carries both sides was phenomenal.”
Taukei’aho was instrumental in the Chiefs’ 21-point blow-out win, carrying strongly to set up skipper Sam Cane next to the sticks.
“He did a lot of momentum building for the Chiefs, he was active everywhere, clearly when you looked at it outshone his opposition which was great, but he did a lot of work,” Jones added.
“I was stoked with his fitness levels from game one so clearly he’s done a lot of work aerobically.”
The Chiefs’ next clash will see them take on Moana Pasifika on Saturday night at AAMI Park for Melbourne’s Super Round.