Wallace Sititi will captain the Gallagher Chiefs for the first time in his 28th match in Friday’s final Super Rugby Pacific round robin game, against the Blues in Hamilton.
Wallace Sititi will captain the Gallagher Chiefs this week as the side prepares to take on the Blues, with Head Coach Jono Gibbes making the most of the opportunity to freshen up key players ahead of the finals series.
With Luke Jacobson unavailable and regular vice-captains Quinn Tupaea and Tupou Vaa’i taking a break this week, Sititi will lead the side from No.8 in what shapes as another big derby clash.
The Gallagher Chiefs have already locked in second place on the ladder and secured a home qualifying final next week, giving the coaching group the chance to manage the squad after a strong and consistent campaign.
“We’ve earned the right to manage the team how we want to thanks to the efforts of everyone through the season,” said Gibbes.
Injuries have also played a part in selection, with Damian McKenzie continuing his recovery from concussion and halfback Xavier Roe managing a sore hamstring.
All Black Cortez Ratima will start at halfback, with Josh Jacomb outside him at first five-eighth. Reon Paul and Daniel Rona combine in the midfield, while Kyren Taumoefolau, Daniel Sinkinson and Liam Coombes-Fabling form an exciting back three.
Up front, the in-form Ollie Norris is nursing a sore knee, but the pack still carries plenty of experience and edge. Seuseue Naitoa Ah Kuoi and Josh Lord line up at lock, with All Blacks loose forward Samipeni Finau on the blindside, Jahrome Brown at openside, and Sititi anchoring the back row at No.8.
Keran van Staden is in line to make his Gallagher Chiefs debut from the bench, while Kaylum Boshier has been named vice-captain.
For Sititi, the chance to lead the side is a proud moment.
“It’s a huge honour to captain the Gallagher Chiefs against the Blues and I want to thank the coaches, my family and the Lord for this opportunity,” Sititi said. “Derbies are always big games and this week is no different. The Blues are a tough opponent and we need to be ready for that.”
Gibbes said Sititi had earned the respect of the group through the way he carries himself.
“We have a number of leaders in our group and I appreciate the way Wallace handles himself on and off the field.”
The Gallagher Chiefs head into the match on a four-game winning streak at home, with that form helping put the team in a strong position heading into the playoffs.
“It means we can freshen some guys up, but we also know that the intensity of the playoffs means injuries are possible,” said Gibbes. “It’s good to be able to give more players an opportunity so when called upon, everyone is ready to play.”
The Gallagher Chiefs have won their last three regular season matches against the Blues, but Gibbes said a clash with the Auckland side always brings its own edge, no matter where the teams sit on the ladder.
For the Chiefs whānau, it’s another chance to get behind the team, celebrate the depth in the squad, and bring the noise as the Gallagher Chiefs build towards finals footy
we’re backing the next generation this weekend and bringing you chiefs rugby youth round. don’t miss out on the last regular season game at fmg stadium waikato
Whats on at the game?
👉 Sky City Super Seat competition – be in to win $1000 cash
👉 Giveaways including, posters, t-shirts, cowbells and more
👉 Extra fan activations and competitions from our awesome partners
👉 Junior rugby march past – show your appreciation for our junior superstars (want to be a part of it? Get your ticket then register here)
👉 SaintzUp Performing Arts Choir performing pre-game and half-time
👉 International curtain raiser – NZ Universities vs Japan U20s. Kick-off 4.05pm
Matchday Sponsor:
Gallagher Chiefs v Blues at FMG Stadium Waikato, on Saturday May 30.
1. Jared Proffit
2. Tyrone Thompson
3. George Dyer
4. Seuseu Naitoa Ah Kuoi
5. Josh Lord
6. Samipeni Finau
7. Jahrome Brown
8. Wallace Sititi (c)
9. Cortez Ratima
10. Josh Jacomb
11. Kyren Taumoefolau
12. Reon Paul
13. Daniel Rona
14. Daniel Sinkinson
15. Liam Coombes-Fabling
Reserves
16. Brodie McAlister
17. Benét Kumeroa
18. Keran van Staden*
19. Fiti Sa
20. Kaylum Boshier (vc)
21. Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi
22. Tepaea Cook-Savage
23. Lalakai Foketi
Unavailable Due to Injury
Leroy Carter – Hamstring – QF
Damian McKenzie – Concussion – QF
Ollie Norris – Knee – QF
Emoni Narawa – Foot – SF
Xavier Roe – Hamstring – TBC
Reuben O’Neill – Concussion – TBC
Etene Nanai-Seturo – Foot – TBC
Isaac Hutchinson – Concussion – TBC
Jayden Sa – Shoulder – Season
