Chiefs name ‘relatively unchanged’ side for sold-out final

The Chiefs “have named a relatively unchanged line-up” for their highly anticipated Super Rugby Pacific final against the champion Crusaders on Saturday evening.

Looking to end the Crusaders’ unrivalled dynasty of six Super Rugby titles in as many years – which would extend to seven – coach Clayton McMillan has named a formidable side.

Co-captain Sam Cane will join legendary flanker Liam Messam as the only two players in Chiefs history to play 150 games for the proud Hamilton-based franchise.

Cane will lead the team out onto FMG Stadium along with veteran halfback Brad Weber. Weber is preparing to play his final match for the Chiefs are signing for Stade Francais in France.

The Chiefs have only made one change to their starting side, with All Black Pita Gus Sowakula coming into the starting side for Samipeni Finau.

Coach Clayton McMillan believes the minor premiers are ready to “deal with whatever comes our way” in Saturday’s decider.

“We are fortunate to have named a relatively unchanged line-up from last week for this week’s final,” McMillan said in a statement.

“Being put under pressure over the last few weeks has given us real belief we can deal with whatever comes our way on the weekend.

“The Crusaders are clearly a quality side who will come here well prepared, with a lot of belief, and a legacy of turning up on the big stage. We respect that – there’s no point denying it, but we aren’t daunted by the task at hand either.”

This year’s Super Rugby Pacific final between the Chiefs and Crusaders is set to get underway at 7.05pm NZST on Saturday at Hamilton’s FMG Stadium.

Chiefs team to take on Crusaders

1. Aidan Ross
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. Anton Lienert-Brown
13. Alex Nankivell
14. Emoni Narawa
15. Shaun Stevenson

Replacements:

16. Tyrone Thompson

17. Ollie Norris

18. John Ryan

19. Naitoa Ah Kuoi

20 Samipeni Finau

21. Cortez Ratima

22. Josh Ioane

23. Rameka Poihipi

Players not considered due to injury: Angus Ta’avao, Quinn Tupaea, Xavier Roe, Bryn Gatland, Laghlan McWhannell, Lalomilo Lalomilo