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Key All Blacks return for Chiefs’ derby with Hurricanes
By Finn Morton
Co-captains Sam Cane and Brad Weber are back for the Chiefs this week as they look to bounce back from their surprising loss to the Queensland Reds last Friday.
The Chiefs have been sensational this season – starting the campaign with 10 wins on the bounce, before suffering the upset defeat to the Reds in New Plymouth.
But the Chiefs will be eager to return to the winners circle in round 13 when they host the high-flying Hurricanes at Hamilton’s FMG Stadium.
Amongst the 10 changes to the starting XV, All Blacks Samisoni Taukei’aho, Brodie Retallick and Anton Lienert-Brown are also back for the ladder-leaders.
Expecting a “significant challenge” against the Hurricanes on Saturday, Chiefs coach Clayton McMillan has named a star-studded side for the highly anticipated New Zealand derby.
“We are excited to be back at FMG Stadium Waikato and hope our loyal supporters will be there in force again to support the team, McMillan said in a statement.
“Whilst the loss last weekend hurt, there is value if we are able to adjust and grow from the lessons we learned and that has been our focus this week.
“The Hurricanes pose significant challenge, particularly through their attack where they lead the competition in tries, clean breaks, defenders beaten, offloads, and post-contact metres – so we understand the challenge that’s coming and will need to be on.”
The Chiefs have named an all-new front row this week, which includes the return of world-class No. 2 Samisoni Taukei’aho. Aidan Ross and George Dyer will also pack down in the front row.
All Blacks centurion Brodie Retallick returns to the run-on side, and will combine with Tupou Vaa’i in the second row.
Captain Sam Cane is also back for the Chiefs, and will add plenty of experience to a formidable loose forward trio which includes Pita Gus Sowakula and Luke Jacobson.
In the backs, New Zealand internationals Brad Weber and Damian McKenzie will look to steer the Chiefs’ attack around the park as the halves.
Anton Lienert-Brown and Alex Nankivell will combine in the halves.
As for the outside backs, the Chiefs have named the electrifying trio of Etene Nanai-Seturo, Emoni Narawa and Shaun Stevenson.
The match is set to get underway at 7.05pm NZST at Hamilton’s FMG Stadium.
Chiefs team to take on Hurricanes
- Aidan Ross
- Samisoni Taukei’aho
- George Dyer
- Brodie Retallick
- Tupou Vaa’i
- Pita Gus Sowakula
- Sam Cane (cc)
- Luke Jacobson
- Brad Weber
- Damian McKenzie
- Etene Nanai-Seturo
- Anton Lienert-Brown
- Alex Nankivell
- Emoni Narawa
- Shaun Stevenson
Replacements:
- Tyrone Thompson
- Ollie Norris
- John Ryan
- Naitoa Ah Kuoi
- Simon Parker
- Cortez Ratima
- Josh Ioane
- Rameka Poihipi
Players not considered due to injury: Angus Ta’avao, Quinn Tupaea, Xavier Roe, Bryn Gatland, Samipeni Finau, Josh Lord, Gideon Wrampling, Ngatungane Punivai, Kaylum Boshier
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Latest Comments
No he's just limited in what he can do. Like Scott Robertson. And Eddie Jones.
Sometimes it doesn't work out so you have to go looking for another national coach who supports his country and believes in what he is doing. Like NZ replacing Ian Foster. And South Africa bringing Erasmus back in to over see Neinbar.
This is the real world. Not the fantasy oh you don't need passion for your country for international rugby. Ask a kiwi, or a south african or a frenchman.
Go to commentsDont complain too much or start jumping to conclusions.
Here in NZ commentators have been blabbing that our bottom pathway competition the NPC (provincial teams only like Taranaki, Wellington etc)is not fit for purpose ie supplying players to Super rugby level then they started blabbing that our Super Rugby comp (combined provincial unions making up, Crusaders, Hurricanes, etc) wasn't good enough without the South African teams and for the style SA and the northern powers play at test level.
Here is what I reckon, Our comps are good enough for how WE want to play rugby not how Ireland, SA, England etc play. Our comps are high tempo, more rucks, mauls, running plays, kicks in play, returns, in a game than most YES alot of repetition but that builds attacking skillsets and mindsets. I don't want to see world teams all play the same they all have their own identity and style as do England (we were scared with all this kind of talk when they came here) World powerhouse for a reason, losses this year have been by the tiniest of margins and could have gone either way in alot of games. Built around forward power and blitz defence they have got a great attack Wingers are chosen for their Xfactor now not can they chase up and unders all day. Stick to your guns its not far off
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