Gallagher Chiefs Head Coach Jono Gibbes has named a stable side for Friday’s match against the Crusaders in Christchurch.
Damian McKenzie is out with concussion while lock Josh Lord returns from a concussion stand down to partner Tupou Vaa’i in an All Blacks heavy pack.
Tighthead prop Sione Ahio is the only non-All Black in an eight that sees hard-charging flanker Samipeni Finau return at blindside with fellow All Black Simon Parker set to make an impact from the bench.
McKenzie’s absence sees Josh Jacomb remain at first five with exciting young talent Isaac Hutchinson looking to continue his strong form at fullback. Halfbacks Cortez Ratima and Xavier Roe have again switched duties; this week Ratima starts. Vice captain Quinn Tupaea also returns after a week off.
“It’s great to have such a stable side to pick at this time of the season,” says Gibbes. “Especially for a game as big as playing the Crusaders at their new stadium.
“The energy around the place is building towards challenging the Crusaders in front of a full house at their magnificent stadium.
“They are a tough nut to crack. They are uncompromising and always very physical and it will be a big occasion down there that we are looking forward to.”
“The energy around the place is building towards challenging the Crusaders in front of a full house at their magnificent stadium” Head Coach Jono Gibbes.
Chiefs Fans urged to take Cowbells to the Stadium
Chiefs Rugby Club CEO Simon Graafhuis is offering prizes to Chiefs fans who smuggle their banned cow bells into One New Zealand Stadium.
“We want to see your most creative smuggling efforts,” Graafhuis said of the cowbells, which have been banned by the Crusaders. “Hidden in jackets, disguised as emotional support equipment, packed in children’s lunchboxes.”
Graafhuis says he will reward those who take a photo of themselves and their cowbell inside the stadium.
“Take a photo prior, tag Chiefs, Crusaders, Super Rugby Pacific and myself and I’ll find a unique prize for your efforts.
“Bonus points if your cowbell ends up in the hands of Crusaders CEO Colin Mansbridge – and even better if you get him to ring it.”
Gallagher Chiefs v Crusaders at One NZ Stadium, Christchurch, Friday, May 22.
1. Ollie Norris
2. Samisoni Taukei’aho
3. Sione Ahio
4. Josh Lord
5. Tupou Vaa’i (vc)
6. Samipeni Finau
7. Luke Jacobson (c)
8. Wallace Sititi
9. Cortez Ratima
10. Josh Jacomb
11. Kyren Taumoefolau
12. Quinn Tupaea (vc)
13. Kyle Brown
14. Liam Coombes-Fabling
15. Isaac Hutchinson
Reserves
16. Brodie McAlister
17. Jared Proffit
18. George Dyer
19. Seuseu Naitoa Ah Kuoi
20. Simon Parker
21. Xavier Roe
22. Tepaea Cook-Savage
23. Daniel Rona
Unavailable Due to Injury
Lalakai Foketi – Calf – TBC
Damian McKenzie – Concussion – TBC
Reuben O’Neill – Concussion – Round 16 `
Emoni Narawa – Foot – Round 16-QF
Leroy Carter – Hamstring – QF
Etene Nanai-Seturo – Foot – Round 16-QF
Jayden Sa – Shoulder – Season
