No doughnuts for Damian as Chiefs chase tastier fare

Damian McKenzie is the favourite player of the Chiefs chef.
Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Hamilton is humming with activity as the Chiefs’ home stadium gets ready to host the sold out Super Rugby Pacific final.

Fans are set to crowd FMG Stadium Waikato on Saturday night to see the Chiefs lock horns against the champion Crusaders.

At a busy Hamilton supermarket, RNZ bumped into the Chiefs’ chef, John Cooper.

Cooper has been cooking for the team since 2011, and he could be the reason for the Chiefs’ improvement since then.

He cooks for the team ahead of their matches, and he is under strict orders to keep things healthy. This week is the same as always.

“Chicken breast, half a dozen salads, mixed fresh salads, poached eggs, baked beans.

“The reason why we give them that is we’re under the thumb of a nutritionist, who stands right beside us and make sure we’re not, you know, slipping them a doughboy or cream or anything like that.”

When asked which Chiefs player would most enjoy a cream doughnut, Cooper said it would have to be his favourite.

“Damian McKenzie. It’ll have to be Damian. Good guy. He’s sweet and he’s cool. He’s just a bang on, good guy all round. On the field, off the field, Damian, all the way.”

Cooper said he would “absolutely” be at the game on Saturday. He did not have a score prediction but assured RNZ it will be “Chiefs, all the way”.

The Super Rugby Pacific trophy.
Photo: Andrew Cornaga / www.photosport.nz

As for other punters on the streets of Kirikiriroa, “I think Chiefs 20-10,” one man said.

“Chiefs fan, used to be Highlanders, but living here so got to support the boys.”

He strongly rejected being labelled a “bandwagon” Chiefs fan.

“I play for Hautapu, so up Luke Jacobson, up Ollie Norris. Go the boys.”

Another fan in town had some pithy wisdom: “Don’t let them run. Get up on them and stop them.

“I would say it’s going to be close, but you don’t let them run. Shut them down before they get speed up. See Rieko Ioane, he didn’t get anywhere did he? They just closed them down.”

Another on the street had a tight prediction: “12-9 to the Chiefs. They’ll be working hard.”

Meanwhile, a sporting goods shop had to do an emergency order of Chiefs merchandise.

“Monday morning, first thing, got online and ordered some more,” the manager said. “We still have beanies and still have scarves.”

Plenty of Chiefs merchandise will be on display at the final. File photo
Photo: © Photosport Ltd 2021

RNZ managed to find a Crusaders fan in Hamilton, but they were not from Canterbury.

“No, from here. Huntly, Waikato. I’ve always supported the Crusaders and I always will.”

There was also a ‘red and black’ sheep of the whānau in town, who was looking forward to the game.

“I’m the only Crusaders follower in my whole family. So I’m outnumbered mate. I have got my gear on, my hat and everything.”

And how will the rest of the family feel if the Crusaders win?

“I don’t really care. As long as I’m happy who cares?”

The defending champions will have some support in the sold-out stadium.
Photo: David Rowland

One man was enjoying the hype in Hamilton, but he would not be drawn on who he was supporting.

“You’ve got the two best rugby teams in New Zealand playing against each other. It’ll be a night of champions, that’s for sure bro.

“It’s like this, on one side of town, you got all the Chiefs supporters and on the other side of town, you got all the Crusaders supporters.

“I’m on the fence, bro.”

At a local barber, the men with the blades were looking forward to a clean Chiefs sweep.

“Boys are going to bring it home. I’m gonna have a good night.”

It was not all Chiefs fans in the salon though.

“We’ve got one delinquent, but we’ll keep him on, we’ll keep him on.”

The sole Crusaders fan was not worried.

“It’s good. We’re the champs, you know, reigning champs, so bring it on.”

No matter who wins on Saturday, the mood is electric in the city of the future.