All Black prop returns to Chiefs bench for pivotal Brumbies clash

The Gallagher Chiefs have named their side to face the Brumbies this Saturday at FMG Stadium Waikato in Hamilton. Kicking off at 7.05pm, the Gallagher Chiefs will look to continue their momentum against Australian sides after winning their last two matches on the road.

The Brumbies arrive in Chiefs Country as the top Australian side, currently sitting second on the DHL Super Rugby Pacific ladder.

The Chiefs Rugby Club have teamed up with Chemist Warehouse to raise money for Breast Cancer Cure with fans having the option to donate when purchasing tickets to Saturday’s match with all proceeds going to Breast Cancer Cure.

Aotearoa Rugby Pod | Episode 11

Aotearoa Rugby Pod | Episode 11

A whopping 10,000 Chiefs/Breast Cancer Cure tees will also be given away at the match to fans in attendance.

Gallagher Chiefs and former All Black prop Atu Moli has been named on the bench, expected to run on for his 50th match in the Gallagher Chiefs jersey.

The tight five that started against the Reds last week will remain unchanged. The only change to the starting forward pack is in the form of returning Co-captain Sam Cane at openside flanker.

In the backline, Quinn Tupaea moves back to second five-eighth as the elusive Etene Nanai-Seturo returns to start on the left wing. Kaleb Trask also returns to start at fullback which is the only other change to the starting backline that faced the Reds.

Changes to the reserves feature Ollie Norris in jersey 17, shifting Atu Moli to jersey 18 in his 50th match. Changes to backline replacements feature Rameka Poihipi shifting to the bench in jersey 22 and the electric Emoni Narawa returns in jersey 23.

Gallagher Chiefs Head Coach Clayton McMillan said the squad are preparing for a competitive arm wrestle.

“We’re happy to come back to Chiefs Country with two wins under the belt but are aware of the challenge ahead this Saturday,” said McMillan

“The Brumbies deserve their current spot as the top Australian side, they have taken it to the kiwi teams they’ve played so far so we are preparing for a highly competitive arm wrestle.

“The squad can’t wait to run out at home and are eager to deliver an entertaining performance in front of our loyal supporters.”

It is likely Co-captain Brad Weber, Brodie Retallick and Josh Ioane will be available for selection next week.

Gallagher Chiefs to face Brumbies:

1. Aidan Ross
2. Samisoni Taukei’aho
3. Angus Ta’avao
4. Josh Lord
5. Tupou Vaa’i
6. Luke Jacobson
7. Sam Cane ©
8. Pita Gus Sowakula
9. Cortez Ratima
10. Bryn Gatland
11. Etene Nanai-Seturo
12. Quinn Tupaea
13. Alex Nankivell
14. Jonah Lowe
15. Kaleb Trask

Reserves:

16. Bradley Slater
17. Ollie Norris
18. Atu Moli (50th Match)
19. Naitoa Ah Kuoi
20. Samipeni Finau
21. Xavier Roe
22. Rameka Poihipi
23. Emoni Narawa

Unavailable for selection:

Brodie Retallick, Josh Ioane, Laghlan McWhannell, Shaun Stevenson, Brad Weber

Season ending: Reuben O’Neill, Simon Parker, Sione Mafileo, Anton Lienert-Brown

– Press Release/Chiefs