June 22, 2024 • 7 mins
Tonight could mark a comeback for the Chiefs.
They last won Super Rugby back in 2013 but have made their second final in a row.
They're looking to play spoilers as they face a much-favored Blues side in the battle for the silverware.
Piney caught up with lock Jimmy Tupou to discuss how they're approaching the final.
He told him that they’ve got a lot of faith in the team as a whole, and winning a knockout game away from home last weekend has given them a lot of confidence.
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:06):
You're listening to the Weekend Sport podcast with Jason Vine
from News Talks EDB.
Speaker 2 (00:12):
Let's get you straight across into Chiefs Country where lock
Jimmy Tupau is standing by the chat to us, Jimmy,
thanks for your time. First of all, has everyone in
the Chiefs camp pulled up after your brutal Seemi fine
and went over the Hurricanes a week ago?
Speaker 3 (00:27):
Yeah, if you've bring that bodies, but you know we've
been blessed to have a week to you know, to
iron those out and you know we're here, are ready
to get into our week.
Speaker 2 (00:37):
Your lost Summersny talkiaho of course in that game he
won't be available for the final tonight. How big a
blow is losing Summer Sawny?
Speaker 3 (00:46):
Ah? Some Sony has been a big part of the
team for a long time, and you know he's contributed
a lot this year and you know it's it's sad
to lose him and to atrieve that. You know, we've
been quite blessful feating, you know, guys being able to
step in and take the opportunities. And you know, I'm
sure Tyrone will definitely takes his opportunit tonight. And yeah,
(01:07):
we've got a lot of faith in the team as
a whole, and we know that it doesn't just take
one person to get a result.
Speaker 2 (01:13):
How much confidence did you take away from last weekend
winning a knockout game away from home, given that you'll
have to do that again tonight if you're to win.
Speaker 3 (01:24):
Yeah, oh, we took a lot of confidence. But I
think for us, we've in our group where we've got
a lot of belief and you know, if we get
things right that you know, we can get results. And
you know, I think last week was a reflection of
it and if anything, that just you know, just probably
gave us the confidence to know that, you know, when
we get things right, you know the game, you know,
(01:45):
it gives us an opportunity to get the result.
Speaker 2 (01:47):
It was a terrific performance in Wellington, you know, a
really really comprehensive performance by all all of the Chiefs
who took the field. I know there's another game to go,
but you must have been satisfied as a playing group
with the performance you put out in Wellington last weekend?
Speaker 3 (02:04):
Were you oh yeah, well bloody happy mate? There was
you know, like you said, it was a team performance. Ever,
I had moments in the game where they could influence it,
and you know, we didn't go there, and well, I
felt like there was no player that went on when
did the own thing as a collective effort to you know,
to what was a pretty tough hurricane seam at home. Then, yeah,
(02:26):
like it gives us a lot of confidence going and
to tonight's game. Was you know that we can try
to replicate that. But'll you know, stair us in a
good direction.
Speaker 2 (02:35):
I know you've said a couple of times it's not
just about one person, but can I just ask you
about Wallace Titi putting in I mean again, just a
just a remarkable performance last weekend. He didn't get a
start for you guys until about round seven. I don't
think what have you made of Wallace Titi's progress across
the season?
Speaker 3 (02:54):
Yeah, well, I haven't had much to do with Wallace
until we linked up with the Chiefs, and you know,
he's you know, initially didn't get much opportunity to the
start of the season, but you know he's put his
head down and worked really hard. And you know, we've
had a couple of conversations before that about just putting
your head down and working hard. And when an opportunity comes,
you've got to take and them that. I think last
(03:15):
week was a reflection of how he's he's turned up
when he's when he's been given opportunities. And you know,
he's just a young man that's still a lot to grow,
but you know, already he's shown how much potential he
has and how much desire he want has to put
the jersey on. And maybe it's been awesome to see
a young guy like him take his opportunity and play.
Speaker 2 (03:34):
So so well, all right, let's look at tonight. You
played the Blues not long ago, actually last game of
the round robin, the thirty one seventeen loss. On that occasion,
where will you have to be better tonight?
Speaker 3 (03:47):
I think for us around our discipline is always going
to be key in these sorts of games because you're
not trying to get a bonus, wants anything, You're just
trying to win. So I think if we can look
out for that part of the game and play on
the right side of the field. And you know, the
Blues are a big, physical team that are going to
They're going to run through and around you, So for us,
we're going to be really sharp around our defensive efforts,
(04:09):
and similar to what we did last week, we're just
going to go deep into the phases and and and
eventually try wheel them out because you know, when when
they're going forward, matey're they're pretty hard to stop.
Speaker 2 (04:20):
Yeah, I don't think their game plans any secret is it?
You know, watching the Blues this season, they're they're built on,
you know, on on the front front, eight strong set piece,
all that sort of thing. So does that does that
excite you as a you know, as a member of
the Chiefs type five that that you know you you
could be very integral tonight in how this all plays out.
Speaker 3 (04:40):
Yeah, yeah, I think any type of all I think
personally for me, I don't have to run too fast
to find a tackle or carry. So you know, that's
like you said, the big being a big part of
the game is knocking down the front door, and you
know for us forwards that we've got to at least
match them around that that part of the game, around
being physical and and having a strong set piece. So
(05:02):
I like most games make they start at set piece
and then the four packs. So for us were decided.
You know, they've been at the forefront of most of
the statistics out this year and it's a good way
for us to challenge the best.
Speaker 2 (05:13):
You oftened here that you have to lose one to
win one. It's one of the great cliches of sport.
I know you weren't there last year, but the Chiefs
lost the final last year. I guess we're about to
find out whether you have to lose one to win one.
Do you believe in the concept? And has last year
been talked about much with reference to this year.
Speaker 3 (05:32):
Yeah, I've had the concept, but there's nothing that I've
really talked about or we haven't talked about as a camp.
You know, I guess that group last year was the
group last year, and you know, this year, the group's
been really focused on on just you know every day.
You know, we've really enjoyed this week around being able
to be together. And you know this, every every year,
every team has a different group, and I think for us,
(05:54):
it's just enjoying the moments of being together. And you know,
we're here at the biggest stage of the season for
said rugby and we're just going to go out there
and just give it everything.
Speaker 2 (06:04):
And last time you played Super Rugby before season, it
was for the Blues. Actually twenty eighteen. I think you've
been in Japan in the time since. I remember we
spoke a short time ago on the on My show
and you told me you came back with no real
rugby plans. Clayton McMillan rang you and said come and
have a game, And here you are playing in a
Super Rugby Final. Jimmy, is it a I mean, it's
funny how things work out, isn't it?
Speaker 3 (06:25):
One hundred percent? Yeah, I think if you asked me
if I was going to be playing and Super Uguey,
let alone a Super Uguey Final a year ago, I
wouldn't be too short if I would be. But yeah, mate,
I've really enjoyed the year. And you know, if they
have the opportunity to just be a part of the
team first and foremost. But but you're part of the
final is no I'm truly grateful for and one I've
(06:48):
only experienced once in the past. So hopefully second time
around we can keep the result.
Speaker 2 (06:53):
Yep. Can't wait to see how it plays out tonight.
All the best in the Grand Final. Jimmy. Thanks for
taking the.
Speaker 3 (06:58):
Time for a chat, mate, man, Thank you very much.
Speaker 2 (07:01):
Now, thank you, Jimmy, Jimmy Too.
Speaker 1 (07:02):
Paul There for more from Weekend Sport with Jason Faine.
Listen to News Talk z it B weekends from midday,
or follow the podcast on iHeartRadio
You're listening to the Weekend Sport podcast with Jason Vine
from News Talks EDB.
Speaker 2 (00:12):
Let's get you straight across into Chiefs Country where lock
Jimmy Tupau is standing by the chat to us, Jimmy,
thanks for your time. First of all, has everyone in
the Chiefs camp pulled up after your brutal Seemi fine
and went over the Hurricanes a week ago?
Speaker 3 (00:27):
Yeah, if you've bring that bodies, but you know we've
been blessed to have a week to you know, to
iron those out and you know we're here, are ready
to get into our week.
Speaker 2 (00:37):
Your lost Summersny talkiaho of course in that game he
won't be available for the final tonight. How big a
blow is losing Summer Sawny?
Speaker 3 (00:46):
Ah? Some Sony has been a big part of the
team for a long time, and you know he's contributed
a lot this year and you know it's it's sad
to lose him and to atrieve that. You know, we've
been quite blessful feating, you know, guys being able to
step in and take the opportunities. And you know, I'm
sure Tyrone will definitely takes his opportunit tonight. And yeah,
(01:07):
we've got a lot of faith in the team as
a whole, and we know that it doesn't just take
one person to get a result.
Speaker 2 (01:13):
How much confidence did you take away from last weekend
winning a knockout game away from home, given that you'll
have to do that again tonight if you're to win.
Speaker 3 (01:24):
Yeah, oh, we took a lot of confidence. But I
think for us, we've in our group where we've got
a lot of belief and you know, if we get
things right that you know, we can get results. And
you know, I think last week was a reflection of
it and if anything, that just you know, just probably
gave us the confidence to know that, you know, when
we get things right, you know the game, you know,
(01:45):
it gives us an opportunity to get the result.
Speaker 2 (01:47):
It was a terrific performance in Wellington, you know, a
really really comprehensive performance by all all of the Chiefs
who took the field. I know there's another game to go,
but you must have been satisfied as a playing group
with the performance you put out in Wellington last weekend?
Speaker 3 (02:04):
Were you oh yeah, well bloody happy mate? There was
you know, like you said, it was a team performance. Ever,
I had moments in the game where they could influence it,
and you know, we didn't go there, and well, I
felt like there was no player that went on when
did the own thing as a collective effort to you know,
to what was a pretty tough hurricane seam at home. Then, yeah,
(02:26):
like it gives us a lot of confidence going and
to tonight's game. Was you know that we can try
to replicate that. But'll you know, stair us in a
good direction.
Speaker 2 (02:35):
I know you've said a couple of times it's not
just about one person, but can I just ask you
about Wallace Titi putting in I mean again, just a
just a remarkable performance last weekend. He didn't get a
start for you guys until about round seven. I don't
think what have you made of Wallace Titi's progress across
the season?
Speaker 3 (02:54):
Yeah, well, I haven't had much to do with Wallace
until we linked up with the Chiefs, and you know,
he's you know, initially didn't get much opportunity to the
start of the season, but you know he's put his
head down and worked really hard. And you know, we've
had a couple of conversations before that about just putting
your head down and working hard. And when an opportunity comes,
you've got to take and them that. I think last
(03:15):
week was a reflection of how he's he's turned up
when he's when he's been given opportunities. And you know,
he's just a young man that's still a lot to grow,
but you know, already he's shown how much potential he
has and how much desire he want has to put
the jersey on. And maybe it's been awesome to see
a young guy like him take his opportunity and play.
Speaker 2 (03:34):
So so well, all right, let's look at tonight. You
played the Blues not long ago, actually last game of
the round robin, the thirty one seventeen loss. On that occasion,
where will you have to be better tonight?
Speaker 3 (03:47):
I think for us around our discipline is always going
to be key in these sorts of games because you're
not trying to get a bonus, wants anything, You're just
trying to win. So I think if we can look
out for that part of the game and play on
the right side of the field. And you know, the
Blues are a big, physical team that are going to
They're going to run through and around you, So for us,
we're going to be really sharp around our defensive efforts,
(04:09):
and similar to what we did last week, we're just
going to go deep into the phases and and and
eventually try wheel them out because you know, when when
they're going forward, matey're they're pretty hard to stop.
Speaker 2 (04:20):
Yeah, I don't think their game plans any secret is it?
You know, watching the Blues this season, they're they're built on,
you know, on on the front front, eight strong set piece,
all that sort of thing. So does that does that
excite you as a you know, as a member of
the Chiefs type five that that you know you you
could be very integral tonight in how this all plays out.
Speaker 3 (04:40):
Yeah, yeah, I think any type of all I think
personally for me, I don't have to run too fast
to find a tackle or carry. So you know, that's
like you said, the big being a big part of
the game is knocking down the front door, and you
know for us forwards that we've got to at least
match them around that that part of the game, around
being physical and and having a strong set piece. So
(05:02):
I like most games make they start at set piece
and then the four packs. So for us were decided.
You know, they've been at the forefront of most of
the statistics out this year and it's a good way
for us to challenge the best.
Speaker 2 (05:13):
You oftened here that you have to lose one to
win one. It's one of the great cliches of sport.
I know you weren't there last year, but the Chiefs
lost the final last year. I guess we're about to
find out whether you have to lose one to win one.
Do you believe in the concept? And has last year
been talked about much with reference to this year.
Speaker 3 (05:32):
Yeah, I've had the concept, but there's nothing that I've
really talked about or we haven't talked about as a camp.
You know, I guess that group last year was the
group last year, and you know, this year, the group's
been really focused on on just you know every day.
You know, we've really enjoyed this week around being able
to be together. And you know this, every every year,
every team has a different group, and I think for us,
(05:54):
it's just enjoying the moments of being together. And you know,
we're here at the biggest stage of the season for
said rugby and we're just going to go out there
and just give it everything.
Speaker 2 (06:04):
And last time you played Super Rugby before season, it
was for the Blues. Actually twenty eighteen. I think you've
been in Japan in the time since. I remember we
spoke a short time ago on the on My show
and you told me you came back with no real
rugby plans. Clayton McMillan rang you and said come and
have a game, And here you are playing in a
Super Rugby Final. Jimmy, is it a I mean, it's
funny how things work out, isn't it?
Speaker 3 (06:25):
One hundred percent? Yeah, I think if you asked me
if I was going to be playing and Super Uguey,
let alone a Super Uguey Final a year ago, I
wouldn't be too short if I would be. But yeah, mate,
I've really enjoyed the year. And you know, if they
have the opportunity to just be a part of the
team first and foremost. But but you're part of the
final is no I'm truly grateful for and one I've
(06:48):
only experienced once in the past. So hopefully second time
around we can keep the result.
Speaker 2 (06:53):
Yep. Can't wait to see how it plays out tonight.
All the best in the Grand Final. Jimmy. Thanks for
taking the.
Speaker 3 (06:58):
Time for a chat, mate, man, Thank you very much.
Speaker 2 (07:01):
Now, thank you, Jimmy, Jimmy Too.
Speaker 1 (07:02):
Paul There for more from Weekend Sport with Jason Faine.
Listen to News Talk z it B weekends from midday,
or follow the podcast on iHeartRadio
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