Chiefs Head Coach Warren Gatland has made five changes and one positional change to his side to face the Hurricanes at the FMG Stadium Waikato on Sunday 5 July at 05:35 SA Time. Although the Chiefs will be looking for their first win in the 2020 Investec Super Rugby Aotearoa Series a very good performance against the Crusaders will give them the confidence to beat the Hurricanes who are also looking for their first win.
An unchanged forward pack was announced, however, injury has forced Gatland’s hand to make changes to the side’s backline. Anton Lienert-Brown has been sidelined with a concussion. Rookie Quinn Tupaea shifts into inside-centre with Tumua Manu moving into the starting line-up at outside-centre.
On the bench, young lock Tupou Vaa’i and rookie loose-forward Dylan Nel return to the twenty-three in the only two changes to the replacement forwards. After running out for Rotoiti Rugby Club last weekend, experienced halfback Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi returns to the twenty-three and is joined by fellow Bay of Plenty teammate Kaleb Trask. Waikato’s Solomon Alaimalo completes the line-up in jersey twenty-three.
Gatland said they need to apply their learnings from previous encounters to deliver the performance they are after.
“Last week against the Crusaders we put on a solid performance however a few crucial moments cost us the win in a tight battle. We need to execute those opportunities to gain the win.”
“There is a great rivalry between our two teams and the boys are eager to get one back after falling short before lockdown. The Hurricanes have some elusive attacking players and are a dangerous team with ball in hand. We know they will be refreshed and eager to get a win, just like us, so it will be a tight tussle and one we know families and fans will enjoy,” finished Gatland.
Team: 15. Damian McKenzie, 14. Sean Wainui, 13. Tumua Manu, 12. Quinn Tupaea, 11. Etene Nanai-Seturo, 10. Aaron Cruden, 9. Brad Weber, 8. Pita Gus Sowakula, 7. Sam Cane (C), 6. Lachlan Boshier, 5. Naitoa Ah Kuoi, 4. Mitchell Brown, 3. Nepo Laulala, 2. Bradley Slater, 1. Aidan Ross. Replacements: 16. Samisoni Taukei’aho, 17. Reuben O’Neill, 18. Ross Geldenhuys, 19. Tupou Vaa’i, 20. Dylan Nel, 21. Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, 22. Kaleb Trask, 23. Solomon Alaimalo.
Unavailable for selection: Angus Ta’avao (quad), Mitchell Karpik (concussion), Anton Lienert-Brown (concussion)
Season-ending: Atu Moli (hips), Laghlan McWhannell (knee), Luke Jacobson (hand), Michael Allardice (shoulder), Nathan Harris (shoulder), Ryan Coxon (thumb), Sam McNicol (ankle).