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McKenzie returns to No.10, ALB back from injury for Chiefs
By Henry Lee
After a disappointing defeat for Clayton McMillan’s Chiefs last weekend in Sydney against the NSW Waratahs, the head coach has named a strong side to take on the Highlanders in Hamilton.
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Star playmaker Damian McKenzie returns to his favoured No.10 position, allowing Shaun Stevenson to move from the wing to full-back.
All Blacks midfielder Anton Lienert-Brown returns to the 23, after missing the last month with an injury. Chiefs captain Luke Jacobson will lead the side from the back of the scrum, joined by Jahrome Brown and Samipeni Finau in the loose forward trio.
Emoni Narawa and Leroy Carter are on the wings, while Josh Jacomb returns to the bench following the backline reshuffle.
McMillan, who leaves the Chiefs at the end of the season for Munster, says his team are focused ahead of a tough New Zealand derby.
“The squad is focused and fired up for a physical contest,” McMillan said.
“The Highlanders are a tough, well-drilled side who fight for everything and each other. They will have taken confidence out of their most recent performance, whilst we were bitterly disappointed in ours.
“But each week represents another opportunity for growth, and at home in front of the fans at FMG Stadium Waikato, there is no greater motivation.”
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Gallagher Chiefs Squad to take on the Highlanders at FMG Stadium Waikato
- Aidan Ross
- Brodie McAlister
- George Dyer
- Naitoa Ah Kuoi
- Tupou Vaa’i
- Samipeni Finau
- Jahrome Brown
- Luke Jacobson (c)
- Xavier Roe
- Damian McKenzie
- Leroy Carter
- Quinn Tupaea
- Daniel Rona
- Emoni Narawa
- Shaun Stevenson
Reserves
Samisoni Taukei’aho
Jared Proffit
Reuben O’Neill
Jimmy Tupou
Kaylum Boshier
Cortez Ratima
Josh Jacomb
Anton Lienert-Brown
Gallagher Chiefs Unavailable Due to Injury
Simon Parker – HIA protocol
Josh Lord – Knee, Mid-term
Liam Coombes-Fabling – Knee, Mid-term
Etene Nanai-Seturo – Hamstring, Long-term
Fiti Sa – Shoulder, Long-term
Wallace Sititi – Knee, Long-term
Rameka Poihipi – Knee, Season
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