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Retallick returns for Battle of the Bombays
By Online Editors
There are no real surprises in the Chiefs team Colin Cooper today named to take on the Blues in Hamilton this Saturday.
Brodie Retallick, fresh off a two-week rest, returns to captain the side. Other changes from the team that managed a last gasp win over the Jaguares have been dictated primarily due to injury.
Angus Ta’avao, who has been used primarily as a tighthead prop this season, comes onto the loosehead side of the scrum with Aidan Ross unavailable. Ryan Coxon and Sosefo Kautai will provide propping cover on the bench.
Tyler Ardron will shift from number eight to join Retallick in the tight five in place of most recent captain Michael Allardice. Luke Jacobson and Lachlan Boshier remain on the flanks with the newly signed for Waikato Taleni Seu set to start at number eight. Pita Gus Sowakula joins the matchday 23 for the first time this year, slotting in at number 20.
The backs remain unchanged from two weeks ago, with big Japanese winger Ataata Moeakiola returning from injury via the bench.
Chiefs: Damian McKenzie, Sean Wainui, Tumua Manu, Anton Lienert-Brown, Solomon Alaimalo, Marty McKenzie, Brad Weber, Taleni Seu, Lachlan Boshier, Luke Jacobson, Tyler Ardron, Brodie Retallick (c), Nepo Laulala, Nathan Harris, Angus Ta'avao. Reserves: Samisoni Taukei'aho, Ryan Coxon, Sosefo Kautai, Jesse Parete, Pita Gus Sowakula, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Alex Nankivell, Ataata Moeakiola.
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Latest Comments
The New Zealand performance in the return fixture in 2016 was filthy. A lot of Irish supporters were pretty shocked by it, viewed it as de facto cheating just to avoid another defeat.
Also shocked by the abuse to Ireland, captain, vice-captain and spectators after the full time whistle in Paris defeat, last match.
Sledging is sledging, but that happens during the game and targetting spectators should be completely out of bounds.
The Irish public used to enjoy these matches, even in defeat. Now they are necessary but unpleasant, because NZ apparently cannot accept or respect successful challengers.
Go to commentsThanks for the analysis Nick, thought provoking as usual. Couple of queries though, in the pic where you've circled Williams bind , I'm pretty sure it shows Stuart's knee on the ground, surely that's a NZ penalty? Also having had the chance to watch it again the All Black scrum seeems to improve after halftime, but before either England or the All Blacks replace their props. Not sure if that was the result of Tuipolutu coming on or some halftime tips. Either way this is only Williams second international season, so he'll be better for the experience.
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