The Gallagher Chiefs have named a settled and experienced side to take on the Blues in this weekend’s DHL Super Rugby Pacific Qualifying Final at FMG Stadium Waikato.
A formidable front row sees George Dyer and Samisoni Taukei’aho locked in alongside Aidan Ross who runs out for his 100th game in the Chiefs jersey.
Ross becomes the 13th player to reach 100 games for the club after making his debut in 2017. The loosehead prop has been a strong and consistent part of the Chiefs pack for eight seasons, and says reaching 100 in front of a home crowd will be a proud moment.
“It’s pretty special to hit 100 games and I’m lucky to have been part of the Chiefs for a while now. I didn’t set out aiming for a milestone like this, but I’m definitely excited to pull the jersey on for the 100th time this weekend. I’m stoked it will be in front of a home crowd and my family and I’m just keen to get out there, go hard, and do my bit for the team.”
Captain Luke Jacobson leads the team with renewed commitment and energy after re-signing with the club through to 2027, saying he is “excited about where this team has gotten to and is hungry to turn that into some championship success”.
Up front and fresh from his hat trick performance against the Highlanders in Dunedin, Tupou Vaa’i stands alongside Samipeni Finau and Naitoa Ah Kuoi in the second row.
The playmaking experience of Damian McKenzie and the flair of Shaun Stevenson provide a strong foundation in the backline, with Cortez Ratima adding pace at halfback.
Out wide, Leroy Carter and Emoni Narawa offer versatility, with Daniel Rona and Gideon Wrampling forming a dependable defensive wall.
Simon Parker’s physicality at the back of the scrum adds further punch to a team packed with power and intent.
Gallagher Chiefs Head Coach Clayton McMillan says the team will need to be at their best against a confident Blues side.
“The Blues have built their games nicely over the past few weeks. We expect they will come in with a bit of momentum and no shortage of confidence. We’ll be treating this like every other game with respect for the opposition, what they bring, and the assumption they’ll put up a tough game.”
Fans are encouraged to be battle ready by purchasing a Playoff Pass, which gives them access to both the Qualifying and the yet to be determined home Semi Final. Tickets are available at chiefs.flicket.co.nz
Gallagher Chiefs v Blues, 7:05 PM, Saturday 7 June, FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton
1. Aidan Ross
2. Samisoni Taukei’aho
3. George Dyer
4. Naitoa Ah Kuoi
5. Tupou Vaa’i
6. Samipeni Finau
7. Luke Jacobson (c)
8. Simon Parker
9. Cortez Ratima
10. Damian McKenzie
11. Leroy Carter
12. Gideon Wrampling
13. Daniel Rona
14. Emoni Narawa
15. Shaun Stevenson
Reserves
16. Brodie McAlister
17. Ollie Norris
18. Reuben O’Neill
19. Josh Lord
20. Wallace Sititi
21. Xavier Roe
22. Josh Jacomb
23. Etene Nanai-Seturo
Players unavailable due to injury
Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Shoulder, TBC
Quinn Tupaea, Head/Eye, Short-term
Manaaki Selby-Rickit, Toe, Short-term
Liam Coombes-Fabling, Hamstring, Short-term
Anton Lienert Brown, Collarbone, Mid-term
Malachi Wrampling, Hamstring, Mid-term
Kaleb Trask, Hamstring, Mid-term
Sione Ahio, Ankle, Long-term
Fiti Sa, Shoulder, Long-term
Rameka Poihipi, Knee, Season
