All Black Emoni Narawa back in Chiefs colours against Highlanders

All Black Emoni Narawa is set for a potential return to Super Rugby Pacific off the bench when the Chiefs face the Highlanders this week, having recovered from a back injury that forced him to withdraw from the Rugby World Cup.

Narawa has been named in the N0. 23 jersey for the occasion, with Daniel Rona called upon once more to start on the right wing.

It is for the most part a familiar starting XV from the Chiefs, with the exception of All Blacks Samisoni Taukei’aho (rest) and Anton Lienert-Brown (concussion).

Josh Lord makes his return to the starting XV to partner fellow All Black Tupou Vaa’i, relegating Naitoa Ah Kuoi to the bench.

Rameka Poihipi will start in the midfield again as Lienert-Brown recovers, joining a lethal backline with All Blacks Damian McKenzie, Quinn Tupaea and Shaun Stevenson.

“The Highlanders have looked a vastly improved outfit in 2024,” Chiefs head coach Clayton McMillan said. “They look fit, aggressive and organised on both sides of the ball. They have our full respect and attention, and we have selected a side that reflects the challenge we are anticipating.

“At this stage of the season, as other teams are, we are needing to find a good balance between following load management plans, dealing with injuries and giving squad members opportunity to play whilst maintaining a degree of cohesion in the match day 23. It has its challenges, but creates healthy competition in your squad and hopefully has you well positioned come the business end of the season.”

Narawa’s injury devastated many All Blacks fans and Chiefs fans alike in 2023, with the winger having enjoyed spectacular form and earning a bolter selection in the national setup.

“This week we are delighted to see Emoni returning for his first run of the season off the bench,” added McMillan. “He has been through a bit with his injury, but he’s worked hard to overcome that and is looking back to his cheeky elusive self.”

Chiefs team to face the Highlanders:

1. Jared Proffit
2. Bradley Slater
3. Reuben O’Neill
4. Josh Lord
5. Tupou Vaa’i
6. Samipeni Finau
7. Kaylum Boshier
8. Luke Jacobson (Captain)
9. Cortez Ratima
10. Damian McKenzie
11. Etene Nanai-Seturo
12. Quinn Tupaea
13. Rameka Poihipi
14. Daniel Rona
15. Shaun Stevenson

Reserves

16. Tyrone Thompson
17. Aidan Ross
18. George Dyer
19. Naitoa Ah Kuoi
20. Wallace Sititi
21. Xavier Roe
22. Josh Ioane
23. Emoni Narawa

Unavailable for selection: Kaleb Trask (injury), Malachi Wrampling (injury), Samisoni Taukei’aho (All Blacks rest), Anton Lienert-Brown (injury/concussion)