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Chiefs star ruled out of Super Rugby Aotearoa clash against Crusaders

(Photo by Fiona Goodall/Getty Images)

The Chiefs have been hit by a late withdrawal just half an hour from kick-off against the Crusaders in round three of Super Rugby Aotearoa.

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In an announcement made on Sunday afternoon, the Hamilton franchise said that electric wing Solomon Alaimalo has been ruled out of action due to sickness.

The 24-year-old had originally come into the starting side in place of Shaun Stevenson following last week’s 24-12 defeat to the Blues at FMG Stadium Waikato.

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Blues vs Highlanders Press Conference

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Blues vs Highlanders Press Conference

Instead, All Blacks Sevens flyer Etene Nanai-Seturo will come into the starting side from outside the match day squad for his first starting appearance for the Chiefs this season.

The match will be the youngster’s second appearance in the New Zealand domestic competition after he came off the bench in the dying stages of the Chiefs’ 28-27 defeat to the Highlanders in Dunedin a fortnight ago.

Nanai-Seturo had previously been playing for the All Blacks Sevens side on the World Sevens Series in the lead-up to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, but has since returned to Warren Gatland’s side since the year-long postponement of the event.

He joins teammates Mitchell Brown, Bradley Slater and captain Sam Cane as the new additions to the Chiefs’ starting lineup from the side that took to the field last week.

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Kick-off for the Crusaders v Chiefs clash in Christchurch is scheduled for 3:35pm Sunday NZT.

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R
RedWarrior 50 minutes ago
Records show All Blacks' greatest rugby adversary is now Ireland

Foster was literally whinging about the TMO in the Ireland series in the presser AFTER the RWC final. NZs whinging about the final itself was apparently picked up by Voyager 2 which was near the asteroid belt. What about the whingefest and crybabies after O'Mahony's legendary sledge (during the match) on Sam Cane?


I often hear talk about NZ players being poisoned or similar nonsense during the 1995 final. NZ boast that they are 'superstars' and 'humble heroes' on their own website. You gave England the same treatment in 2002-2003, calling them arrogant just because they beat you. They told the rest of us then what you were like, we should have listened. I would give as much credence to a NZ supporter disliking us, as I would to Krusty the clown saying the same thing. Let's just say your judgement may not be the best.


Regarding 2016, as the referee had basically let NZ away with cheating their way to victory via filthy dangerous play and fouling he was hardly going to pull Sexton up when clearly trying to stop a grounding. NZ always leave the boot or arm in to hurt a try scorer but that seems to be invisible to you entitles lot.


BTW NZ have literally being whinging and crying about Ireland since Soldier field. You are just very bad losers. We will be delighted to be shot of you on Friday. I hope we do so with a win, so that you rethink your philosophy of mocking opponents and spectators you've just beaten.


After the match last Saturday the internet was full of Kiwi supporters basically abusing English folk. Where is your national honour? Where is your national integrity?

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