Former Brumby named for Chiefs debut against Crusaders

A club debut awaits former Brumbies rake Jahrome Brown in round two of Super Rugby Pacific. The Waikato native has returned to his hometown team, the Chiefs, and has been named in the No. 7 jersey to face the Crusaders on Friday night.

Another milestone awaits Quinn Tupaea, who will run out for his 50th Chiefs cap in the contest after being named on the bench.

The 25-year-old's shift to the impact unit makes way for Rameka Poihipi and Anton Lienert-Brown to start in the midfield.

Fellow All Blacks Samipeni Finau and Cortez Ratima have both retained their spots on the bench for the game as head coach Clayton McMillan looks to finish strong against a side with plenty of championship DNA.

Both teams are coming off statement wins in round one, and McMillan is hoping the newcomer and the milestone man will play decisive roles in another Chiefs win.

“We’re really excited for Jahrome to have the opportunity to put on the jersey for the first time and to do it in front of wh?nau and friends at home as well,” head coach Clayton McMillan said.

“At the same time it’s also a special milestone in line for Quinn, especially given some of the adversity he’s had to overcome to get there.

"The Crusaders are always formidable and showed their grit and class last week against the Hurricanes. We anticipate another huge battle."

Chiefs team to face Crusaders

1. Aidan Ross
2. Bradley Slater
3. George Dyer
4. Josh Lord
5. Tupou Vaa'i
6. Simon Parker
7. Jahrome Brown
8. Luke Jacobson
9. Xavier Roe
10. Josh Jacomb
11. Leroy Carter
12. Rameka Poihipi
13. Anton Lienert-Brown
14. Emoni Narawa
15. Damian McKenzie

Reserves

16. Brodie McAlister

17. Jared Proffit

18. Reuben O’Neill

19. Manaaki Selby-Rickit

20. Samipeni Finau

21. Cortez Ratima

22. Quinn Tupaea

23. Gideon Wrampling

Chiefs injury status

Etene Nanai-Seturo, Hamstring , Long-term

Liam Coombes-Fabling, Knee, Mid-term (4-6 weeks)

Fiti Sa, Shoulder, Long-term

Wallace Sititi, Knee, Long-term

Samisoni Taukei'aho, Achillies, Mid-term (4-6 weeks)

Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Shoulder, Short-term

Malachi Wrampling, Knee, Short-term