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Chiefs eager not to let history repeat as they name team for Reds
By Ned Lester
The Chiefs are one of three undefeated teams as they head into round three of Super Rugby Pacific, but they know that perfect record is under threat as they face the one team that bested them during the 2023 regular season.
The Reds have had a strong start to the season, and will be feeling a potent mix of confidence from dismissing the Waratahs in round one and bitterness from their golden point loss to the Hurricanes in Super Round.
The Chiefs themselves have that exact concoction on a different scale, having proven themselves to be the best team in the competition throughout their 2023 campaign before getting tipped at the final hurdle by serial winners the Crusaders.
To ensure the Reds don't get the same satisfaction out of this year's matchup, the Chiefs have named much of their top squad for the contest.
All Black hooker Samisoni Taukei’aho gets his first start of the season while Rameka Poihipi and Daniel Rona assume the midfield roles as Quinn Tupaea and Anton Lienert-Brown sit out.
Josh Ioane steps into the fullback role, moving Shaun Stevenson to the right wing while Etene Nanai-Seturo-Seturo will look to back up his superb effort against the Brumbies on the left wing.
“The Reds are a formidable opponent and have been impressive through the early rounds. They play an abrasive style and have the athletes to challenge through the middle of the park and through their tactical kicking game. We are under no illusion how tough this game will be and are preparing for a real dogfight,” said coach Clayton McMillan.
Chiefs team to face the Reds
1. Aidan Ross
2. Samisoni Taukei’aho
3. George Dyer
4. Tupou Vaa’i
5. Naitoa Ah Kuoi
6. Samipeni Finau
7. Simon Parker
8. Luke Jacobson
9. Cortez Ratima
10. Damian McKenzie
11. Etene Nanai-Seturo
12. Rameka Poihipi
13. Daniel Rona
14. Shaun Stevenson
15. Josh Ioane
Reserves
16. Tyrone Thompson
17. Ollie Norris
18. Reuben O’Neill
19. Manaaki Selby-Rickit
20. Wallace Sititi*
21. Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi
22. Josh Jacomb*
23. Anton Lienert-Brown
Unavailable for selection: Quinn Tupaea, Kaleb Trask, Jared Proffit.
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Latest Comments
I think Italy were always targetting this match and intended to win. They needed to exorcise the 2023 RWC. I think they could have done with a bit more help from other 6Ns particularly from Ireland to knock more holes in NZ and their confidence.
Mentioned before the Italy Argentina match was a virus that ripped through the Italy camp early that week. In general play Italy were competitive albeit with a high error count and crucial missed tackles.
Ive said it before the era of NZ turning up unprepared for all comers and triumphing is definitively over. If a Tier1 team target NZ and NZ do not prepare accordingly they are in with a major chance of losing. It used to occur the odd time in RWCs against France, now it can occur v any Tier1. The competition has improved. NZ can still be at the top but their talents must be deployed sufficiently into dismantling teams as with their attack then allowed to exploit.
They dismantled Ireland pretty well in Dublin which went largely unnoticed. That allowed them scoreboard advantage and attacking opportunities of which one was enough.
That Italian team beat Wales and significantly Scotland last year. They used the loss to NZ in the most positive way possible. No doubt NZ prepared but I would assume it was similar to versus Argentina: 3/4 arsed at best. These test matches are rare and this was another chance to practice dismantling a determined and prepared opponent which was lost. If Italy had scored a 7 pointer at 17-6....an Italian win was on.
Go to commentsGB = England, Scotland, Wales. UK = England, Wales, Scotland, NI
Nothing to stew son.
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