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Veteran Gallagher Chiefs loose forward Liam Messam is dedicating his 150^th game to Ka’iulani Forbes, the courageous Waikato 2-year old battling stage 4 high risk neuroblastoma. Messam and many of his Gallagher Chiefs teammates may run a little faster this Saturday when they take on the Bulls at FMG Stadium Waikato, having shaved their hair this week to raise money to assist the Forbes family in paying for the medical treatment Ka’iulani requires abroad.

Gallagher Chiefs head Coach Dave Rennie said: “It’s a special occasion for Liam, his whanau and our Club this Saturday when he runs out for his 150^th game for the Chiefs. Liam epitomises Chiefs mana; he has a massive work ethic and is an inspirational leader. While this milestone acknowledges Liam’s on-field achievements, we are immensely proud of the work he does with charities and in the community. It’s great to be able to honour Liam at home, a place where he’s received massive support from Chiefs fans since 2006.”

An experienced lineup will take the field with Messam  in his milestone game this Saturday night. In the forwards, Siegfried Fisi’ihoi will start for the first time this season, packing down alongside Hika Elliot and Nepo Laulala. Dominic Bird and Brodie Retallick partner in the second row for the fifth consecutive game. Liam Messam moves from number eight to start at blindside flanker, with co-captain Sam Cane and Michael Leitch completing the formidable loose forward trio in jerseys 7 and 8 respectively. 

In the backs, Tawera Kerr-Barlow will don jersey 9 again this week, with Aaron Cruden returning to the starting fifteen to start at first five-eighth. Johnny Faauli is promoted from the bench to partner Anton Lienert-Brown in the midfield. James Lowe is back on the left wing this week, with Shaun Stevenson and Damian McKenzie completing the backline.

It’s an exciting night for 28-year-old Southland hooker Brayden Mitchell who could make his Gallagher Chiefs debut off the bench.

The Gallagher Chiefs team to play the Bulls at 7.35pm this Saturday is:

1. Siegfried Fisi'ihoi (15)

2. Hika Elliot (108)

3. Nepo Laulala (4)

4.  Dominic Bird (15)

5. Brodie Retallick (75)

6. Liam Messam (149)

7. Sam Cane (88) Co-Captain

8. Michael Leitch (25) 

9. Tawera Kerr-Barlow (71)

10. Aaron Cruden (77) Co-Captain

11. James Lowe (40)

12. Johnny Faauli (3)

13. Anton Lienert-Brown (28)

14. Shaun Stevenson (11)

15. Damian McKenzie (37)

RESERVES

16. Brayden Mitchell*

17. Kane Hames (13)

18. Atu Moli (15)

19. Taleni Seu (21)

20. Mitchell Karpik (2)

21. Finlay Christie (2)

22. Stephen Donald (93)

23. Solomon Alaimalo (1)

() = Gallagher Chiefs caps in brackets

*denotes Gallagher Chiefs debut

Two of the tallest timber in the Gallagher Chiefs squad are here to stay. Dominic Bird and Michael Allardice are excited to continue their Investec Super Rugby careers with the Gallagher Chiefs under incoming head coach Colin Cooper. Dominic Bird has signed on for 2018, while Michael Allardice has committed for the 2018 and 2019 seasons.

At 2.06m and 112kg, Dominic Bird is the tallest second rower in the Gallagher Chiefs squad. He made his All Blacks debut against Japan in 2013 and was also part of the 2011 New Zealand Under 20’s IRB Junior World Championship winning team alongside Gallagher Chiefs teammates Brodie Retallick and Sam Cane. The Waipukurau-born 25-year-old joined the Chiefs for the 2016 season following three years with the Crusaders. Bird is Gallagher Chief #274 and has played 15 games for the side to date.

Taihape-born Michael Allardice made his Investec Super Rugby debut for the Gallagher Chiefs in 2015. The hardworking 25-year-old lock has shown his resilience in the last 12 months working his way back from a knee injury which has limited his playing time. A product of Palmerston North Boys High School, Allardice was a member of the New Zealand Schools and New Zealand University teams. The Hawke’s Bay Mitre 10 Cup representative is Gallagher Chief #257 and has 18 caps to his name. 

Bird and Allardice join All Black Brodie Retallick in the locking stocks who is already committed to the Gallagher Chiefs through till 2019.

For the video announcement please click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hKhBWaJzELY 

History will be made this Saturday when the Chiefs U20s team plays their first ever International fixture against the Argentina U20s team at Massey Park in Papakura. It is the third and final match of the 2017 Chiefs U20s programme, offering players an important opportunity to impress New Zealand U20s selectors ahead of the Under 20 World Championship in Georgia from 25 May – 18 June 2017.

The Chiefs U20s programme sits within the University of Waikato Chiefs Development programme, which identifies promising Chiefs region rugby players and develops them for future opportunities in professional rugby, together with their Provincial Unions.

The Chiefs U20s vs. Argentina U20s match kicks off at 4.30pm this Saturday 25 March. Entry is free into Massey Park, Papakura to watch this historic match.

The Chiefs U20s team to play Argentina U20s is:

1. Alex Mitchell (Taranaki)
2. Samisoni Taukei’aho (Waikato)
3. Tevita Mafileo (Bay of Plenty)
4. Lachlan McWhannell (Waikato)
5. Sam Caird (Waikato
6. Luke Jacobson (Waikato)
7. Du Plessis Kirifi (Waikato)
8. Ajay Mua (Bay of Plenty)
9. Caleb Korteweg (Waikato)
10. Ciarahn Matoe (Taranaki)
11. Sali Tukania (Counties Manukau)
12. Orbyn Leger (Counties Manukau)
13. Sevu Reece (Waikato)
14. Tyler Campbell (Waikato)
15. Kaleb Trask (Bay of Plenty)

RESERVES:
16. Damon Abraham (Counties Manukau)
17. Bradley Slater (Taranaki)
18. Jesse Williams (Bay of Plenty)
19. Sione Tuipulotu (Counties Manukau)
20. Tom Florence (Taranaki)
21. Joe Johnson (Bay of Plenty)
22. Te Ra Whata (Bay of Plenty)
23. Matt McKenzie (Taranaki)
24. Walter Fifita (Counties Manukau)

Chiefs U20s Management Team:
Coach: Tai Lavea
Coach: Tasesa Lavea
Coach: Paul Tito
Trainer: George Wardell
Video Analyst: Mark Ray
Physio: Kyle Turvey
Manager: Paul Galletta

Programme Manager: Kent Currie

A late flurry of 20 points in the final 15 minutes has secured the Gallagher Chiefs a 27-14 win over the Rebels at AAMI Park in Melbourne and extended their unbeaten start to the season to four wins.

While not at their best throughout the match, the strong finish was enough for a four tries to one bonus point victory that ensures the Chiefs remain at the top of the Super Rugby standings as they head into their bye week.

From the opening whistle the Chiefs showed their intent to play the game at pace but they were met by some well organised defence from the home side early on, which proved to be the case throughout most of the first half.

Both teams had scoring opportunities in the opening quarter with Chiefs first five Damian McKenzie and Rebels second five Reece Hodge missing shots at goal.

After coming away unscathed from plenty of early Gallagher Chiefs pressure, the Rebels slowly worked their way into the game but failed to get anything to show for it as Hodge was off target with two more penalty attempts.

The first points of match finally came in the 23rd minute as the Chiefs rumbled downfield and lock Dominic Bird pounced on a loose ball for a rare try after Tom Sanders had the ball stripped out just a metre from the line.

It was very nearly a double strike when a chip from centre Anton Lienert-Brown saw fullback Shaun Stevenson regather and tip toe down the left wing to score but he was to be denied by the TMO with his foot hitting the white line as he caught the ball.

A yellow card to Liam Messam for infringing at ruck time led to another penalty attempt for the Rebels, and a change in kicker did the trick with first five Jackson Garden-Bachop making the score 7-3 to the Chiefs with 10 to play in first half.

An injury to Toni Pulu then forced a reshuffled to the Gallagher Chiefs backline with Aaron Cruden coming on, McKenzie moving to fullback and Stevenson shifting to the right wing.

The frustrating first half drew to a close with neither side really threatening to add further points and, despite a lot of territory and possession, the Chiefs had to settle for their four-point lead at the break.

A superb start to the second half from the Rebels saw them strike first with wing Marika Koroibete finishing in the left hand corner after a strong midfield break from Number 8 Amanaki Mafi.

The Chiefs looked to have made an instant reply with Damian McKenzie dotting down after a quick throw in from Stephen Donald, but once again on review Stevenson had a foot in touch in the build up.

More good field position for the Rebels ended in another three points from the boot of Garden-Bachop to push the lead out to four points, and Chiefs coach Dave Rennie responded with some fresh legs from the bench.

However, the Chiefs comeback efforts became more difficult when young winger Solomon Alaimalo was yellow carded for a tip tackle as the match neared the three quarter mark.

Still with plenty of time on the clock, a patient build up from the Chiefs saw lock Brodie Retallick barge his way over the line off the back of a strong rolling maul for his second try in two weeks.

McKenzie added his second conversion of the evening to give the Chiefs a three-point buffer but that was quickly wiped out as the Rebels swung back downfield and Garden-Bachop nailed his third penalty to tie the match.

As the match headed into the final 10 minutes the visitors upped their game and began to take control, and it wasn’t long before McKenzie was able to land a penalty which was quickly followed by a well worked try to flanker Sam Cane to give some much needed breathing space.

There was time for one final try with the last play of the match as Lienert-Brown broke clear down the right and drew the last defender to Stevenson who finished off from 40 metres out to seal the bonus point and an important away win.

Gallagher Chiefs 27 (Dominic Bird, Brodie Retallick, Sam Cane, Shaun Stevenson tries; Damian McKenzie 2 cons, pen) Rebels 14(Marika Koroibete try; Jackson Garden-Bachop 3 pens) HT: 7-3.

The Gallagher Chiefs are changing up their bootlaces and their lineup ahead of the team’s first trans-Tasman contest for 2017 against the Melbourne Rebels on Friday. To celebrate the inclusive, uniting and inspiring power of rugby, the Gallagher Chiefs will wear a fluorescent lace in one boot. The other lace has been exchanged with our smallest fans and neighbours from a Hamilton Day Care. These vocal little fans cheer on the team throughout training from their day care each week and are the perfect example of how #rugbyisforeveryone.

Gallagher Chiefs head coach Dave Rennie has made extensive changes for the Round 4 game at AAMI Park in Melbourne. In the forwards, Bay of Plenty hooker Sabastian Siataga earns his first start of his Investec Super Rugby career after impressing in his debut off the bench in the Gallagher Chiefs 26-18 win over the Hurricanes last Friday. Siataga will pack down alongside Kane Hames and Nepo Laulala, who start in jerseys 1 and 3 respectively for the fourth consecutive week.

The second row remains unchanged from the opening three rounds, with Dominic Bird and Brodie Retallick set to continue their impressive locking partnership again this Friday. Co-captain Sam Cane will don the number 7 jersey in his second appearance of the season. He is joined by Tom Sanders and veteran Liam Messam who return to the 23 this week to complete the loose forward trio.

Tawera Kerr-Barlow makes his fourth consecutive start of the season at halfback. There are a number of exciting changes in the backline beginning with Damian McKenzie who will start at first five-eighth. Stephen Donald will start in jersey 12, with Anton Lienert-Brown shifting out this week to start at centre.  21-year-old Northland outside back Solomon Alaimalo will make his Investec Super Rugby debut on the left wing, with Toni Pulu retaining the number 14 jersey. The evasive Shaun Stevenson should prove a handful at fullback in his first start of the 2017 season.

In the reserves, Hika Elliot, Siegfried Fisi’ihoi and Atu Moli provide experienced front row cover, with the hard-working pair of Mitchell Brown and Mitchell Karpik looking to add impact off the bench. Finlay Christie gets another opportunity this week following his debut game against the Hurricanes last Friday. He is joined on the bench by Co-captain Aaron Cruden and midfielder Johnny Faauli.

  The Gallagher Chiefs team to play the Melbourne Rebels at 9.45pm NZT on Friday is:

1. Kane Hames (12)
2. Sabastian Siataga (1)
3. Nepo Laulala (3)
4. Dominic Bird (14)
5. Brodie Retallick (74)
6. Tom Sanders (16)
7. Sam Cane (co-captain) (83)
8. Liam Messam (148)
9. Tawera Kerr-Barlow (70)
10. Damian McKenzie (36)
11. Solomon Alaimalo**
12. Stephen Donald (92)
13. Anton Lienert-Brown (27)
14. Toni Pulu (16)
15. Shaun Stevenson (10)

RESERVES

16. Hika Elliot (107)

17.Siegfried Fisi’ihoi (14)

18. Atu Moli (14)

19. Mitchell Brown (5)

20.Mitchell Karpik (1)

21.Finlay Christie (1)

22.Aaron Cruden (co-captain) (76)

23.Johnny Faauli (2)

() = Gallagher Chiefs caps in brackets

**denotes Investec Super Rugby debut

Unavailable for selection: Brad Weber, Mitchell Graham, Nathan Harris, James Tucker, Glen Fisiiahi, Chase Tiatia, Michael Allardice, Charlie Ngatai, Sam McNicol, Tim Nanai-Williams, James Lowe, Michael Leitch and Liam Polwart.

All Blacks, Gallagher Chiefs and Waikato halfback Tawera Kerr-Barlow will bid adieu to New Zealand at the end of 2017. The 26-year-old has signed a three-year deal with French Top 14 Club La Rochelle, where he will link up with former All Blacks Victor Vito and Jason Eaton.

“I’m excited to announce that the next chapter of my rugby career will be with La Rochelle in France. It was an extremely hard decision to make, but I feel it is the right one for my family and myself. I’ve always wanted to play rugby in New Zealand and to represent teams like Waikato and the Chiefs which is where my family comes from. It was a childhood dream of mine to become an All Black and it has been a privilege to represent my country.

“Over the past couple of months I’ve thought long and hard about going overseas. I had really good contact with the Chiefs and the All Blacks throughout the process, but ultimately the opportunity to play rugby with La Rochelle and experience the French culture with my family was the right decision for me. At this point in time, I’m 100% focused on helping the Chiefs to another Super Rugby title and making the best of every moment I have left to play rugby in New Zealand” said Kerr-Barlow.

Melbourne-born Kerr-Barlow arrived in New Zealand in 2004 as a 13-year-old and attended Hamilton Boys High School. The hard-working halfback made his debut for Waikato in 2009 and in 2010 he was part of the New Zealand Under 20 side that won the Junior World Championship in Argentina.

Kerr-Barlow made his Investec Super Rugby debut for the Gallagher Chiefs in 2011 against the Brumbies. Since then the clinical number nine has become a mainstay for the Gallagher Chiefs, dotting down seven times in his 70 appearances to date.

Gallagher Chiefs head coach Dave Rennie said: “Tawera is one of the nicest guys you’ll meet and has been a pleasure to work with. Caring and competitive are two traits that stand out, but it’s his work ethic and leadership around defence that makes him world-class. Tawera is in the form of his life, we wish him well.”

Tawera Kerr-Barlow is Gallagher Chief #198

The Gallagher Chiefs have won their third straight New Zealand derby to continue their perfect start to the season, beating the defending champion Hurricanes 26-18 at FMG Stadium Waikato.

In atrocious conditions, with heavy rain falling throughout most of the match, the Chiefs produced a disciplined and controlled performance to secure another win and send them to the top of the Investec Super Rugby table.

Both teams made a positive start to the match with plenty of continuity on attack in the pouring rain, highlighting the talent on display across the park, but the opening minutes also saw an unfortunate shoulder injury to Tim Nanai-Williams which gave an early entrance to Stephen Donald.

Shortly after, the first scoring opportunity of the match came for the Hurricanes and first five Beauden Barrett was on target with a penalty to put the visitors in front.

A strong response from the Chiefs saw them swing onto attack and, after turning down an easy shot at goal of their own, they pressured the Hurricanes attack for several minutes before lock Brodie Retallick barged his way over the line to score.

Fullback Damian McKenzie nailed the tricky conversion to give the Chiefs a 7-3 lead at the end of the first quarter, with the try coming just after Ardie Savea was yellow carded for repeat infringements from the Hurricanes near their own goal line. 

Soon after Barrett struck his second penalty of the evening but the Hurricanes were then briefly reduced to 13 players with Michael Fatialofa sent to the bin for a no-arms tackle.

The ill-discipline led to good field position for the Chiefs which they eventually turned into three more points from the boot of McKenzie.

Late in the half the physicality of the match really began to show with several big tackles and collisions setting the tone for a big second half, but not before the Chiefs landed a huge blow.

In the final play of the half a superbly weighted chip kick over the defence from halfback Tawera Kerr-Barlow off the back of a scrum gave Toni Pulu a chance, and the big winger out sprinted the defence to slide over for the try.

McKenzie was again on target from out wide with the extra two points to take the lead out to 17-6 at the break.

Buoyed by their strong finish to the first half, the Gallagher Chiefs came out with a spring in their step to start the second spell and, after 10 minutes of territorial dominance, McKenzie chipped over another three pointer to extend the lead.

The Hurricanes slowly began to get their hands on the ball more but the Chiefs defence was up to the task, and the home side went past the 60 minute mark without conceding a try for the third straight week.

Finally, their line was breached when Hurricanes halfback TJ Perenara did well to force his way over the line off the back of a maul to get his side back into the contest.

The try sprung the visitors into action and suddenly they looked dangerous every time they touched the ball, but the hard to crack Chiefs defence didn’t take long to tighten up once more.

With the Hurricanes chasing the game, McKenzie was able to add his third penalty with just over five minutes remaining to continue his perfect night off the kicking tee.

Chiefs Number 8 Michael Leitch was then sent to the bin for a reckless tackle and a desperate Hurricanes side were rewarded for throwing caution to the wind with a well worked try to wing Julian Savea.

Their second try put them in bonus point territory and gave them one final play to snatch an unlikely win but a Stephen Donald turnover halted their late charge.

The resulting penalty gave McKenzie the chance to deny the Hurricanes their bonus point and he made no mistake as the visitors were forced to head back to Wellington with nothing to show for their efforts.

Gallagher Chiefs 26 (Brodie Retallick, Toni Pulu tries; Damian McKenzie 2 cons, 4 pens) Hurricanes 18 (TJ Perenara, Julian Savea tries; Beauden Barrett con, 2 pens) HT: 17-6.

Two unbeaten New Zealand teams, 80 minutes and a point to prove. The stage is set for an epic showdown this Friday when the Gallagher Chiefs host the Hurricanes at FMG Stadium Waikato.

Gallagher Chiefs head coach Dave Rennie is meeting the challenge head on, naming a physical and experienced lineup to go to work on Friday night. Leading the charge is co-captain Sam Cane, who is primed to make his first appearance of 2017 having fully recovered from the ankle injury he sustained while playing for the All Blacks in November 2016.

In addition to Cane, there are four other changes to the starting fifteen that defeated the Blues 41-26 last Friday night in Hamilton. Hard-working Taranaki loose forward Mitchell Brown will start at blindside flanker, replacing Liam Messam who is being rested following two massive 80-minute performances. There are three changes to the backline with Anton Lienert-Brown shifting to second five-eighth, Tim Nanai-Williams will wear jersey 13 this week and Toni Pulu claims the right wing.

It is a special night for 24-year old Bay of Plenty hooker Sebastian Siataga who could make his Investec Super Rugby debut off the bench. With the return of Cane, Lachlan Boshier moves to the reserves. Veteran back Stephen Donald has been named at 22, his first appearance for the Gallagher Chiefs this season.

The Gallagher Chiefs team to play the Hurricanes at 7.35pm on Friday is:

1.            Kane Hames (11)

2.            Hika Elliot (106)

3.            Nepo Laulala (2)

4.            Dominic Bird (13)

5.            Brodie Retallick (73)

6.            Mitchell Brown (4)

7.            Sam Cane (co-captain) (82)

8.            Michael Leitch (24)

9.            Tawera Kerr-Barlow (69)

10.         Aaron Cruden (co-captain) (75)

11.         James Lowe (39)

12.         Anton Lienert-Brown (26)

13.         Tim Nanai-Williams (79)

14.         Toni Pulu (15)

15.         Damian McKenzie (35)    

RESERVES:

16.         Sabastian Siataga**

17.         Siegfried Fisi’ihoi (13)

18.         Atu Moli (13)

19.         Taleni Seu (20)

20.         Lachlan Boshier (10)

21.         Jonathan Taumateine (2)

22.         Stephen Donald (91)

23.         Shaun Stevenson (9)

() = Gallagher Chiefs caps in brackets

**denotes Investec Super Rugby debut

Unavailable for selection: Brad Weber, Mitchell Graham, Nathan Harris, James Tucker, Glen Fisiiahi, Chase Tiatia, Michael Allardice, Charlie Ngatai, Sam McNicol and Liam Polwart. 

Exciting Gallagher Chiefs wing James Lowe will depart New Zealand at the end of the year to join Leinster Rugby in Ireland. At 24-years of age, Lowe is in the form of his career with three tries to his name in the opening two rounds of the Gallagher Chiefs 2017 Investec Super Rugby campaign.  

Lowe explained his reasons for joining Leinster in a heartfelt statement.

“It is with a heavy heart that today I announce I will be leaving New Zealand at the end of the year to play rugby abroad. I have taken up a 3 year contract with Leinster rugby, based in Dublin, Ireland. This decision has not been an easy one. For as long as I can remember I have wanted to be an All Black, but at this stage of my life and for my future, I feel this is the best decision for me. Leinster are a very competitive side and I am looking forward to challenging myself in another professional environment. 

“Like I have mentioned I leave New Zealand with a heavy heart - I am a very passionate Tasman and Chiefs representative which made my decision to leave even harder. I leave behind great friends, rivalries, my family and most of all the public who have supported me throughout my short professional career in NZ. I am not ruling out returning to NZ rugby. At 24 I feel my best years are still to come. But for this stage of my life and with an eye to the future, I have to set myself and my future family up so they can have every opportunity in life to succeed” said Lowe. 

Gallagher Chiefs head coach Dave Rennie said: 

“James has made a massive contribution to the Chiefs over the past four seasons. His unique skillset, leadership and attacking mindset makes him one of the best left wingers in the world. It is a smart signing by Leinster. James is a top man, great in the community and has been a pleasure to work with.”

James Lowe made his Investec Super Rugby debut for the Gallagher Chiefs against the Crusaders in 2014. Renowned for his powerful left boot and evasive attacking style, Lowe has scored 18 tries in his 39 appearances for the Gallagher Chiefs. The Maori All Blacks representative showed his resilience as a teenager after being diagnosed with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis, a condition that left him bedridden. The affliction could not stop Lowe from realising his childhood dream of becoming a professional rugby player and he now works as an ambassador for Arthritis New Zealand to inspire young kiwi’s to achieve their goals.  

James Lowe is Chief #236.

The Gallagher Chiefs have backed up their opening round win with a dominant display against the Blues at FMG Stadium Waikato, cruising to a 41-26 victory in 2017’s first edition of the Battle of the Bombays.

With a red card reducing the visitors to 14 men just before halftime, the Chiefs turned it on in front of a large crowd of local fans in the first home game of the season, with three tries in each half sending them on their way to a comfortable bonus point win.

Proceedings started with a rousing reception for Chiefs captain Aaron Cruden who took the field for his 100th Super Rugby match, but it was an encouraging start from the Blues as back to back penalties in the first two minutes led to the opening points from the boot of first five Ihaia West.

The Chiefs wasted no time in responding as they immediately put pressure on the Blues defence with halfback Tawera Kerr-Barlow taking a quick tap from a penalty right in front of the posts, and a second penalty close to line ended in a try from a lineout maul to veteran Liam Messam.

More good territory for the Blues saw two more penalties in kicking range for West and he made no mistake with both attempts to put the visitors back in front.

Unforced errors were halting the Chiefs momentum on attack but when they did hang onto the ball they looked dangerous. A superbly timed pass from big Dominic Bird then put wing Tim

Nanai-Williams into space and the slick movement was eventually finished near the left hand corner by fullback Damian McKenzie.

Cruden slotted the conversion just five metres in from the touchline, and from the restart the momentum continued in the Chiefs favour with prop Kane Hames getting revenge for an earlier conceded scrum penalty, winning one of his own which Cruden turned into another three points.

The Blues had a couple of golden chances to narrow the gap after a rough patch of play throughout the middle of the half, but West missed two penalties from in front - his easiest chances of the night.

With the first 40 minutes drawing to a close a brilliant sniping run from Kerr-Barlow saw him go desperately close to scoring but he had the ball knocked out as he looked to place it over the line. In back play however was a huge moment in the match with Blues loose forward Steven Luatua given a red card for an off the ball swinging arm around the head of Nanai-Williams.

The Chiefs took full advantage with the penalty leading to another unstoppable lineout maul and this time it was hooker Hika Elliot the man to dot down. Cruden’s conversion ended the half and pushed the Chiefs out to a convincing 22-9 lead.

After the halftime break the Chiefs made the best possible start when just two minutes after the resumption flanker Lachlan Boshier capped a strong performance with a pick and go try which blew the lead out to 20 points.

Moments later the Chiefs were in again when a well worked move off a lineout saw Cruden give a classy tapped pass back inside to wing James Lowe who danced his way through the defence to score under the posts.

Subs from the Blues gave them a much needed injection of energy, but the Chiefs weathered the brief storm and launched a long range attack downfield which resulted in a try to centre Anton Lienert-Brown to take the score past 40 points with still over 20 minutes to play.

To their credit the Blues fought back well in the final quarter and there was finally something for their fans to cheer about when replacements Patrick Tuipulotu and Charlie Faumuina crashed over for a couple of quick tries to give some respectability to the score line.

Coach Dave Rennie emptied his bench for the final 15 minutes, taking off several key performers including Cruden, Kerr-Barlow and Brodie Retallick, and the Blues took advantage with yet another replacement, Rene Ranger, finishing strongly in the right hand corner.

Despite the late flurry of Blues points, the result was never in doubt with the Chiefs’ point scoring burst early in the second half ensuring a perfect two bonus point wins from two outings to start the campaign.

Gallagher Chiefs 41 (Liam Messam, Damian McKenzie, Hika Elliot, Lachlan Boshier, James Lowe, Anton Lienert-Brown tries; Aaron Cruden 4 cons, pen) Blues 26 (Patrick Tuipulotu, Charlie Faumuina, Rene Ranger tries; Ihaia West con, 3 pens) HT: 22-9.

The Gallagher Chiefs are back at home again next weekend to take on last year’s Super Rugby champions – the Hurricanes. Kick off at FMG Stadium Waikato is once again 7.35pm on Friday night and tickets are available from http://www.ticketdirect.co.nz/event/details/153984/gallagher-chiefs-v-hurricanes.

The Battle of the Bombays descends on the pristine battleground of FMG Stadium Waikato this Friday night when the Gallagher Chiefs host northern rivals the Blues in a thrilling Round 2 local derby clash. With both teams buoyed by opening round victories, fans are in for a spectacular display of Investec Super Rugby.

Friday’s fixture is particularly special for Gallagher Chiefs co-captain Aaron Cruden, with the outstanding first five-eighth to play in his 100th Investec Super Rugby game. The remarkable milestone is testament to the dedication, determination and resilience Cruden has exhibited countless times in his 28-years, making him the exceptional leader of Chiefs he is today.

Cruden’s teammates will be looking to honour his achievement through a match-winning performance in their first home game of the 2017 season. Gallagher Chiefs head coach Dave Rennie has named a formidable 23 to take on the Blues, with seven changes to the team that defeated the Pulse Energy Highlanders 24-15 in Dunedin last Friday.

In the forwards, the experienced tight five remains the same for the second consecutive week. A reshuffle in the loose forwards sees Liam Messam move to blindside flanker from number 8, Lachlan Boshier is promoted from the bench to start at seven and Michael Leitch makes his first appearance for 2017 at number 8.

There is just one change in the backs, with Tim Nanai-Williams moving from the bench to start in jersey 14. In the reserves, the front row cover is unchanged, while Taleni Seu is an exciting replacement option in jersey 19 alongside Tom Sanders who could make his first appearance for 2017 in jersey 20. Speedster Toni Pulu moves to the bench to join Jonathan Taumateine and Shaun Stevenson as backs cover.

The Gallagher Chiefs team to play the Blues at 7.35pm on Friday is:
1. Kane Hames (10)
2. Hika Elliot (105)
3. Nepo Laulala (1)
4. Dominic Bird (12)
5. Brodie Retallick (72)
6. Liam Messam (147)
7. Lachlan Boshier (9)
8. Michael Leitch (23)
9. Tawera Kerr-Barlow (68)
10. Aaron Cruden (captain) (74)
11. James Lowe (38)
12. Johnny Faauli (1)
13. Anton Lienert-Brown (25)
14. Tim Nanai-Williams (78)
15. Damian McKenzie (34)

RESERVES:

16. Samisoni Taukei’aho (1)
17. Siegfried Fisi’ihoi (12)
18. Atu Moli (12)
19. Taleni Seu (19)
20. Tom Sanders (15)
21. Jonathan Taumateine (1)
22. Toni Pulu (14)
23. Shaun Stevenson (8)

() = Gallagher Chiefs caps in brackets

Unavailable for selection: Brad Weber, Mitchell Graham, Fin Hoeata, Nathan Harris, James Tucker, Glen Fisiiahi, Chase Tiatia, Michael Allardice, Charlie Ngatai, Sam McNicol, Liam Polwart, Sam Cane and Stephen Donald.
Friday evening’s action starts early with the University of Waikato Chiefs Taua Development team taking on the Blues Development team at 5pm. Tickets to the Battle of the Bombays clash between the Gallagher Chiefs and the Blues are available now from ticketdirect.co.nz or 0800 4 CHIEFS.

The Gallagher Chiefs have started their 2017 campaign in the best possible fashion, grinding their way to a 24-15 bonus point win over the Highlanders at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin.

Despite a lack of territory and possession for most of the match, two intercept tries to wing James Lowe and a gutsy defensive effort helped pave the way for the three tries to none season opening victory.

It was a fast start for the home side as a series of slick phases saw them launch deep into Chiefs territory and win a penalty as the Gallagher Chiefs were caught offside, and first five Lima Sopoaga kicked a simple three-pointer to draw first blood.

There was soon more pressure applied by the Highlanders with the Chiefs unable to get out of their own half, but against the run of play James Lowe was able to latch onto a loose pass from Aaron Smith and scoot away for an intercept try from near halfway.

Captain Aaron Cruden added the conversion from under the posts to give the Gallagher Chiefs a surprise 7-3 lead.

After some error ridden play from both sides it was then Lowe to the fore again, this time picking off a pass from Waisake Naholo to remarkably score his second intercept try in the

opening 20 minutes.

Cruden converted again to stretch the lead to 11.

A fired up Highlanders side stormed back down field and nearly replied immediately when Naholo went close to scoring from a Sopoaga cross kick.

Yet more good field position saw the Highlanders continue to threaten the Gallagher Chiefs defence but the final passes were not sticking with a combination of poor handling and desperate Chiefs tackling.

Sopoaga then missed a penalty attempt but was on target with his third kick of the night from 45 metres out to narrow the Chiefs lead.

The Highlanders’ dominance of territory and possession continued and several more phases deep in the Chiefs 22 very nearly led to their opening try of the match, but they had to settle once more for just three points from the boot of Sopoaga.

A rare chance on attack for the Gallagher Chiefs was the final play of the half, but the Highlanders cleared to touch after a turnover as the teams headed into the break with the visitors up 14 points to 9.

After absorbing the first half pressure, the Chiefs started the second spell brightly and were rewarded with their third try. A well worked lineout move down the touchline between hooker Hika Elliot and halfback Tawera Kerr-Barlow saw Elliot break free and score in the left hand corner.

Cruden nailed the sideline conversion to push the lead out to 12 points.

Another long period on attack followed for the Highlanders as they went in search of a way back into the contest, but more courageous defence denied over 15 phases of attacking pressure.

With the amount of defending taking its toll, coach Dave Rennie went to the bench early and the fresh legs proved to be a much needed boost both on attack and in defence.

But as the match headed into the final quarter Sopoaga was able to add two quick penalties to narrow the gap to just six points.

The Chiefs reply was just as quick with a composed and patient attacking raid ending in a Cruden penalty to put the lead back out beyond a converted try.

There was yet more defending to do for the visitors but it seemed whatever the Highlanders threw at them they had an answer for, and a turnover from Liam Messam just two minutes from full time proved to be the final nail in the coffin as the Gallagher Chiefs ensured they would head back to Hamilton with a full five points to start the season.

Gallagher Chiefs 24 (James Lowe 2, Hika Elliot tries; Aaron Cruden 3 cons, pen) Highlanders 15 (Lima Sopoaga 5 pens) HT: 14-9.

Next up for the Gallagher Chiefs is their first home game of the season - a mouth-watering local derby against the Blues at FMG Stadium Waikato next Friday night. Tickets for that match are available from http://www.ticketdirect.co.nz/event/details/153983/gallagher-chiefs-v-blues.