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One change for the Chiefs as they prepare for a quarter-final showdown with the Jaguares
By Online Editors
The Chiefs have opted for consistency in the selection of their team to take on the Jaguares in their quarter-final match-up.
Coach Colin Cooper has made just one change to the 23 with Tumua Manu returning to the 13 jersey in place of Alex Nankivell.
Nankivell has been bracketed on the bench after leaving the field early in the Chiefs' previous match with the Rebels.
Whilst Nankivell has been the go-to midfield partner for All Black Anton Lienert-Brown in recent weeks, Manu has clocked up some considerable game time in his debut Super Rugby season. In the Chiefs ranks, Manu is third only to Lienert-Brown and Canadian international Tyler Ardron in terms of minutes played this year.
The last time these two sides clashed was in Round 7 of the regular season - also in Buenos Aires. The Chiefs scored a try with only minutes remaining to steal a win from the Jaguares.
The Chiefs were without both Sam Cane and Brodie Retallick in the earlier fixture but have welcomed both players back to the fold in recent weeks.
Cooper was confident that travelling from New Zealand to Argentina won't hamper his team's performance.
“We have had a good week over here, there is plenty of energy in the team especially from our leaders. We know the Jaguares are a quality side. They have performed well, and we have the utmost respect for them," Cooper said.
As a team we need to draw on the confidence we have gained from our past couple of games. We are not strangers to quarter-finals rugby, we just need to stay focused and deliver a performance our fans and whanau are proud of,” said Cooper.
Chiefs: Solomon Alaimalo, Shaun Stevenson, Tumua Manu, Anton Lienert-Brown, Sean Wainui, Jack Debrezceni, Brad Weber, Pita Gus Sowakula, Sam Cane (c), Lachlan Boshier, Tyler Ardron, Brodie Retallick, Angus Ta'avao, Nathan Harris, Atu Moli. Reserves: Alex Nankivell, Marty McKenzie, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Mitchell Jacobson, Jesse Parete, Nepo Laulala, Aidan Ross, Samisoni Taukei'aho,
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Latest Comments
I wonder Jake, who do you think is the best fit for Australia as a coach? Not since Joe Schmidt took over as coach did Australia look any good, however, there is always this debate around not having an Aussie coach by the fans and so called pundits and old players.
Some of them are changing their minds now however, but I would love to see who you would choose. I think Joe Schmidt is an excellent coach, who puts in everything for the team he is coaching. To him, there is no such thing as being biased.
Go to commentsExcept for the 6N he has won nothing. No WC's, no Lions tours not anything. He is ranked even behind Eddie Jones, who has won a WC with SA and have a better victory rate than Gatland. Keep your so called "best coach" in the world. No one but Wales wants him. A very harsh Hell No comes to mind if anyone asks if they would want Gatland as head coach.
Guess the man is wearing blinders. Rob Howley is howling mad describing Gatland as the best. What a load of 💩
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