Ex-Crusader debuts, All Black star returns for the Chiefs

All Black hooker Samisoni Taukei’aho will make his much-awaited return to rugby from the bench this weekend when the Chiefs host the Brumbies.

The 2022 breakout international star will play his first professional game since suffering an achilles injury against the Hurricanes in last year’s semi-final.

Elsewhere in the team, ex-Crusader and ex-Force winger Manasa Mataele will make his club debut for the Chiefs starting on the wing.

Form winger Leroy Carter, who has taken Super Rugby Pacific by storm over the opening fortnight, has been put on a rest week.

All Blacks Cortez Ratima, Quinn Tupaea and Samipeni Finau return to the starting side after being eased into the season.

Tupaea returns to the No.12 jersey after coming off the bench in his 50th cap and grabbing a brace against the Crusaders.

The Chiefs have opted to keep Damian McKenzie at fullback after a strong 2-0 start with the All Black playmaker in the 15 jersey.

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“We’re all really pleased for Samisoni. He’s worked hard to get back around the target date we had set and it’s exciting to have him available again,” head coach Clayton McMillan said.

“Manasa gets his chance after working hard through the pre-season and it’s a great opportunity for him to have his first run in front of our fans at FMG Stadium Waikato.

“It’s going to be a huge day for the club, with the Manawa playing before us and the Rugby and Rhythms Festival happening around it all.”

Chiefs team to play the Brumbies:

1. Aidan Ross
2. Brodie McAlister
3. George Dyer
4. Josh Lord
5. Tupou Vaa’i (c)
6. Samipeni Finau
7. Jahrome Brown
8. Simon Parker
9. Cortez Ratima
10. Josh Jacomb
11. Manasa Mataele (club debut)
12. Quinn Tupaea
13. Anton Lienert-Brown
14. Emoni Narawa
15. Damian McKenzie

Reserves
16. Samisoni Taukei’aho
17. Ollie Norris
18. Sione Ahio
19. Naitoa Ah Kuoi
20. Kaylum Boshier
21. Xavier Roe
22. Daniel Rona
23. Gideon Wrampling