Chiefs reshuffle backline for Force after injury to All Black Stevenson
Following the injury to one-Test All Black Shaun Stevenson, coach Clayton McMillan has reshuffled the Chiefs’ backline ahead of their clash with the Western Force on Friday night.
Stevenson, who debuted for New Zealand in a thrilling Bledisloe Cup Test in Dunedin last year, pulled up with what appeared to be a sore hamstring after scoring a try in Sydney last week.
The Waratahs had raced out to a 12-nil lead, but Stevenson’s moment of individual brilliance helped breathe new life into the Chiefs side, but it came at a cost with the fullback limping off the field.
Coach McMillan told reporters that night that Stevenson would likely miss “a couple of weeks” which starts with the Chiefs’ clash with the desperate Western Force at FMG Stadium Waikato in round 11.
With Stevenson seemingly out due to injury, Etene Nanai-Seturo shifts from wing to fullback with utility Daniel Rona set to fill that hole in the run-on side by wearing the No. 11 jersey.
All Black Quinn Tupaea also comes into the starting side at inside centre.
In the forwards, Samisoni Taukei’aho is out of the match-day 23 with Bradley Slater earning a promotion into the First XV. Naitoa Ak Kuoi also replaces the injured Jimmy Tupou.
On the bench, Kauvaka Kaivelata is in line to debut.
With the Force sitting last on the ladder, the men from out west will be eager to begin their ascent into the top eight with a win over the high-flying Chiefs.
This upcoming fixture in Perth is set to get underway at 7:05 pm NZT on Friday night.
Chiefs team to take on Western Force
- Aidan Ross
- 2. Bradley Slater
- George Dyer
- Naitoa Ah Kuoi
- Tupou Vaa’i
- Samipeni Finau
- Kaylum Boshier (c)
- Wallace Sititi
- Cortez Ratima
- Damian McKenzie
- Daniel Rona
- Quinn Tupaea
- Anton Lienert-Brown
- Emoni Narawa
- Etene Nanai-Seturo
Replacements
- Tyrone Thompson
- Ollie Norris
- Kauvaka Kaivelata*
- Manaaki Selby-Rickit
- Luke Jacobson
- Simon Parker
- Xavier Roe
- Josh Ioane
Latest Comments
Yes for sure, thanks for sharing. I fully understand that both parties are better off, no one needs to lose, neither competition suffers, in fact both can be better as a result.
Too many true rugby fans (and analysts) don't understand that.
I wouldn't imagine there is a date aye. It was a long decline rugby in SA and Australia was going through, and was so bad it even effected NZ, caused them to argue to can a couple of teams. The nation of SA probably grew into it? I know I watch more of the NH now specifically because of the SR teams playing there. I actually had to mention to Nick Bishop (because of his stubborn perspective) the other day that I've never been a fan of Super Rugby, I don't think they chose the right way to go about professionalism back in 1995. Unfortunately, NZR was stuck between a rock and a hard place, because it had SA's and Australians that ran their unions by States, so we had to separate into "two or three" teams as a result. Our game is in the kak now because of it, they want to kill off the lifeblood of our National Provincial Championship. But now we might see a way out of it, so it's all good.
Go to commentsOh, so the Boks going back to half way means they definitely scored?
Don’t make me laugh…..
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