Chiefs make three changes to starting XV for round two

The Gallagher Chiefs have named a familiar looking side to take on Moana Pasifika in Super Round side on Saturday at 7:05pm NZT.

Following their stunning 31-10 demolition of defending champions the Crusaders in Christchurch on Friday, the Chiefs have only made three changes to their starting XV.

Prop Ollie Norris has been promoted to the starting side for the round two match, and will pack down in the front-row alongside Samisoni Taukei’aho and George Dyer.

The rest of the forward remains unchanged, and will be led by co-captain Sam Cane. The All Blacks captain is coming an impressive performance against the Crusaders.

As for the backline, star duo Brad Weber and Damian McKenzie will partner each other once again in the halves.

All Black Anton Lienert-Brown has been ruled out of this match with an ankle injury, with coach Clayton McMillan suggesting the star centre would “probably” miss “three weeks.”

Rameka Poihipi is set to start his first match of the season in place of the injured Lienert-Brown, and will partner Alex Nankivell in the midfield.

As for the outside backs, winger Etene Nanai-Seturo will make his first appearance of the season in Melbourne, alongside Liam Coombes-Fabling and Shaun Stevenson.

Chiefs team to take on the Crusaders:

1. Ollie Norris
2. Samisoni Taukei’aho
3. George Dyer
4. Brodie Retallick
5. Tupou Vaa’i
6. Pita Gus-Sowakula
7. Sam Cane (cc)
8. Luke Jacobson
9. Brad Weber (cc)
10. Damian McKenzie
11. Etene Nanai-Seturo
12. Rameka Poihilip
13. Alex Nankivell
14. Liam Coombes-Fabling
15. Shaun Stevenson

Replacements:

16. Tyrone Thompson
17. Jared Proffit
18. John Ryan
19. Laghlan McWhannell
20. Simon Parker
21. Cortez Ratima
22. Bryn Gatland
23. Ngatungane Punivai