The Gallagher Chiefs team to face Blues on home soil this weekend has been named.
The game follows Chiefs return to winning form following their 35-29 triumph over the Hurricanes last weekend.
The northern rivalry, proudly sponsored by Waitomo Group, will kick off at 7.05pm on Saturday, March 27, at FMG Stadium Waikato.
Blues lost their last outing 43-27 to early pace-setters Crusaders and will be looking to bounce back in Hamilton.
'The Blues are a quality team,” says Chiefs head coach Clayton McMillan.
'They will be disappointed with aspects of their game from the weekend and will be determined to get back on track against us.
'We are prepared for the backlash and will be looking to build on last week's performance.”
In the only change to the forward pack, rookie Samipeni Finau has been promoted from the bench to start at lock. He replaces All Black lock Tupou Vaa'i, who has been ruled out after sustaining a concussion against the Hurricanes.
Sean Wainui has been named to start on the left wing in his 50th Super Rugby game.
Wainui made his Super Rugby debut in 2016 for the Crusaders before heading north to pull on the Chiefs jersey in 2018.
Maori All Blacks outside back Shaun Stevenson returns to start after the in-form Jonah Lowe was ruled out due to sickness.
Taranaki prop Reuben O'Neill returns to the match day squad and will start from the bench. Chiefs will welcome the return of powerful number eight Pita Gus Sowakula to complete the changes.
'We have lost a couple of players to injury and sickness this week, but that provides others with the opportunity to put their hand up,” says McMillan.
'We do welcome back Pita Gus Sowakula from injury, and it will be exciting to see the impact he has off the bench.”
McMillan has also commended Wainui on his impending achievement.
'Sean is a talented player and is a valued member of the Gallagher Chiefs whanau. It's an achievement to clock up 50 Super games and we look forward to seeing his game continue to grow.”
Gallagher Chiefs:
- Aidan Ross (38)
- Samisoni Taukei'aho (39)
- Angus Ta'avao (38)
- Samipeni Finau (2)
- Naitoa Ah Kuoi (15)
- Mitchell Brown (48)
- Sam Cane (125) (cc)
- Luke Jacobson (28)
- Brad Weber (88) (cc)
- Kaleb Trask (10)
- Sean Wainui (40) – (49 Super Rugby Games)
- Quinn Tupaea (14)
- Anton Lienert-Brown (84)
- Shaun Stevenson (54)
- Damian McKenzie (87)
Reserves:
- Bradley Slater (18)
- Ollie Norris (6)
- Reuben O'Neill (12)
- Simon Parker (2)
- Pita Gus Sowakula (28)
- Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi (40)
- Alex Nankivell (33)
- Chase Tiatia (3)
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