By Jim Kayes
Hamilton has had to crack open the ticker tape again.
Just a few weeks after celebrating the Magic's trans-Tasman netball win, thousands of residents have turned out to honour the Chiefs’ Super Rugby triumph.
The city is now calling itself title-town, but opportunistic thieves are doing their best to steal some of the limelight.
At a parade celebrating the city’s achievements many came in Chiefs gear, dressed for the occasion. While everyone had their favourite players, some weren't fussed so long as they were cheering on the Chiefs.
While for others there was only one – Sonny Bill Williams. Williams was pleased to have picked up yet another title before leaving to play in Japan.
“As a group we were pretty much written off by everyone, and to win it in front of our fans and family makes it special,” he says.
For Liam Messam, the most-capped Chiefs player, this Super success is long overdue.
“I can't really explain it at the moment,” says Messam. “After the final whistle [there was] just a whole lot of relief and happiness. Hopefully we can keep building on it, but for the next couple of weeks we'll be enjoying it.”
But the win was bittersweet for coach Dave Rennie.
“We got burgled the night of the game,” says Rennie. “Sonny's place got done a couple of weeks ago, so obviously someone is targeting it.”
While irreplaceable personal items were stolen, the Rennies tried to celebrate the Chiefs’ win.
“It soured things for a little while.”
But there was no spoiling things today at the parade. The Chiefs and their fans are happy that the 17-year challenge of winning rugby's Super title has finally been achieved.
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