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Chiefs new blockbusting No 8 retained for Hurricanes
By Ben Smith
After the impressive starting debut by Wallace Sititi against Moana Pasifika, the Chiefs have named the young No 8 to play again against the Hurricanes in this week's blockbuster in Wellington.
The former Blues U20 captain starred last week with 94 running metres on 17 carries, including two line breaks. His powerful ball carrying was a handful for Moana Pasifika.
As a result of Sititi's form, captain and regular No 8 Luke Jacobson has been shifted to openside to combat the strong Hurricanes back row. One cap All Black Samipeni Finau completes the trio at blindside.
In other changes, dynamic halfback Cortez Ratima has been named to start alongside Damian McKenzie after showing a knack for tries, equal second in the competition with six on the year.
In the midfield Daniel Rona has taken a hold of the 13 jersey which means All Black Anton Lienert-Brown moves to second five-eighth.
Shaun Stevenson returns to fullback after a rest week, joining dangerous pair Etene Nanai-Seturo and Emoni Narawa at the back.
The Chiefs are looking to continue a winning run of five straight victories over the Hurricanes extending back to 2020 and stamp their credentials as title favourites by knocking off the undefeated Canes.
The match is lock Tupou Vaa'i's 50th appearance for the club and the Chiefs will be hoping to celebrate in style.
Chiefs team to play Hurricanes:
1. Aidan Ross
2. Samisoni Taukei'aho
3. Reuben O'Neill
4. Naitoa Ah Kuoi
5. Tupou Vaa'i
6. Samipeni Finau
7. Luke Jacobson (c)
8. Wallace Sititi
9. Cortez Ratima
10. Damian McKenzie
11. Etene Nanai-Seturo
12. Anton Lienert-Brown
13. Daniel Rona
14. Emoni Narawa
15. Shaun Stevenson
Reserves
16. Bradley Slater
17. Ollie Norris
18. George Dyer
19. Jimmy Tupou
20. Kaylum Boshier
21. Xavier Roe
22. Josh Ioane
23. Rameka Poihipi
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Latest Comments
Thank goodness he wasn't born in Scotland, he'd have been a great candidate for the Scottish Barbarians. I wouldn't put it past them to push for a “where the player was conceived” rule 😂
Go to commentsOwen Farrell is one of the most polarising figures in the game. His entire attitude on the field (and sometimes off of it) smacks of arrogance and he is about as brash as Donald Trump in a political debate. Yet behind that facade is a calculating, determined and powerful leader who drives any team forward with an Iron will. You are right in that he gets better in the heat of battle and in the face of overwhelming odds. He develops a narrow focus and he delivers his best in a way that few others can. He is one of Englands great performers who sacrificed alot for the team and who often bears the weight of responsibility of leadership alone on the field and in front of the media. Despite what many think of him he is a fantastic game manager with a good rugby brain. He will be sorely missed from the international stage
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