Brodie Retallick to lead new-look Chiefs side in round nine

Veteran lock Brodie Retallick will captain a new-look Chiefs side on Friday night when they take on the Fijian Drua at FMG Stadium.

Chiefs coach Clayton McMillan has selected a vastly different run-on XV to the one that beat the high-flying Hurricanes in Wellington last weekend.

After beating the Hurricanes 33-17 at Sky Stadium in round eight, the Chiefs have made 10 changes to their starting side.

In the absence of co-captains Sam Cane and Brad Weber, All Blacks centurion Brodie Retallick will lead the team later this week.

All Blacks captain Sam Cane has been ruled out of the round nine clash due to an injury, and joins the likes of Luke Jacobson, Angus Ta’avao and Anton Lienert-Brown on the sidelines.

Props Ollie Norris and John Ryan have been promoted to the starting side this week, and join Test hooker Samisoni Taukei’aho in a formidable front-row.

Manaaki Selby-Rickit has been named for his third start in Chiefs colours, and will pack down in the second-row alongside captain Retallick.

As for the backrow, Samipeni Finau and Kaylum Boshier will line up on the flanks, while in-form loose forward Pita Gus Sowakula shifts to No. 8.

Cortez Ratima, who starred off the bench against the Canes, will partner Bryn Gatland in the halves, while Damian McKenzie moves to the no. 15 jumper.

Rameka Poihipi and Daniel Rona will start in the midfield, while former sevens star Etene Nanai-Seturo and Shaun Stevenson get a run on the wings.

Looking at the bench, there’s plenty to celebrate with Josh Lord making his return to Super Rugby Pacific following a lengthy stint on the sidelines.

“The Fijian Drua have shown rapid improvement in their second season and have our full respect and attention,” coach Clayton McMillan said in a statement.

“We know they have the athletes and skills to hurt you, particularly through the middle of the park where their power and athleticism can bend defensive lines and allow them to offload in contact.

“For us, there is some rotation, in part because of injury to regular starters, but also to reward those who have been working hard and demanding their opportunity.

“It is particularly pleasing to see Josh Lord and Gideon Wrampling back after long absences. Their return, and the expected return of others in the coming weeks, will trend us closer to a full squad to select from, and that’s exactly what we want heading into the back half of the season.”

The match is set to kick-off at 7.05pm NZST on Friday night.

Chiefs team to take on Fijian Drua

1. Ollie Norris
2. Samisoni Taukei’aho
3. John Ryan
4. Brodie Retallick (c)
5. Manaaki Selby-Rickit
6. Samipeni Finau
7. Kaylum Boshier
8. Pita Gus Sowakula
9. Cortez Ratima
10. Bryn Gatland
11. Etene Nanai-Seturo
12. Rameka Poihipi
13. Daniel Rona
14. Shaun Stevenson
15. Damian McKenzie

Replacements:

16. Tyrone Thompson
17. Jared Proffit
18. Solomone Tukuafu
19. Josh Lord
20. Tupou Vaa’i
21. Simon Parker
22. Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi
23. Gideon Wrampling

Players not considered due to injury: Angus Ta’avao, Anton Lienert-Brown, Quinn Tupaea, Xavier Roe (season), Alex Nankivell, Sam Cane, Luke Jacobson