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Chiefs big guns make timely return to full health against Blues
By Ned Lester
The Chiefs aren’t pulling any punches for their round 15 contest against the Blues in Auckland, naming a top-string XV despite their quarter-final opponents already being decided.
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Instead of competition points, the team will be playing for pride, confidence and momentum heading into the knockout stages. Should they upset the apple cart at Eden Park, the Blues could lose their top seed on the table and even fall as low as third.
Helping the Hamilton club attain that goal is All Black Samipeni Finau, who returns after a multi-week absence with injury to reclaim the No. 6 jersey.
“We are glad to welcome back some artillery this week,” Chiefs coach Clayton McMillan said. “The guys have been getting restless on the sidelines so it will be good to get some minutes under their belt ahead of finals. There is still a lot of rugby to play so we are glad to have the majority of our squad fit and ready.
“We can’t deny that the Blues have been outstanding this season. They have great depth in their squad and have put on some notable displays of their skill. We look forward to the test.”
Joining Finau in the loose forward trio is fellow All Black and Chiefs captain Luke Jacobson alongside star rookie Wallace Sititi.
Rotation for rest purposes sees Bradley Slater and Samisoni Taukei’aho switch jerseys, landing the All Blacks hooker an impact role for the occasion. Aidan Ross and George Dyer join Slater in the starting XV.
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Fresh of a new contract extension, Naitoa Ah Kuoi also steps into the starting unit for the unavailable Tupou Vaa’i, partnered by Jimmy Tupou in the second row, with the latter also returning to fitness just in time for the playoffs.
Cortez Ratima and Damian McKenzie line up in the No. 9 and 10 jerseys respectively, looking to feed a midfield duo of Rameka Poihipi and Daniel Rona.
The lethal back three contingent of Etene Nanai-Seturo, Emoni Narawa and Shaun Stevenson will have their hands full against an All Blacks trio in the Blues backfield.
Chiefs team to face the Blues
1. Aidan Ross
2. Bradley Slater
3. George Dyer
4. Naitoa Ah Kuoi
5. Jimmy Tupou
6. Samipeni Finau
7. Luke Jacobson
8. Wallace Sititi
9. Cortez Ratima
10. Damian McKenzie
11. Etene Nanai-Seturo
12. Rameka Poihipi
13. Daniel Rona
14. Emoni Narawa
15. Shaun Stevenson
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Reserves
16. Samisoni Taukei’aho
17. Ollie Norris
18. Sione Ahio
19. Simon Parker
20. Kaylum Boshier
21. Xavier Roe
22. Quinn Tupaea
23. Peniasi Malimali
Unavailable for selection: Kaleb Trask, Josh Lord, Gideon Wrampling, Malachi Wrampling, Tupou Vaa’i, and Anton Lienert-Brown.
