Gallagher Chiefs name settled team for Grand Final           

The Gallagher Chiefs have named a settled side for Saturday’s Super Rugby Pacific Grand Final against the Hurricanes in Wellington. 

Head Coach Jono Gibbes has made two forced changes for the decider with injuries to Lalakai Foketi and Isaac Hutchinson, bringing Kyle Brown in at centre and Leroy Carter to the wing, with Liam Coombes-Fabling shifting to fullback. 

All Blacks flanker Wallace Sititi was not considered for selection as he continues to go through concussion protocols. 

For Gibbes, reaching the Grand Final was exciting and a reflection of the work of the entire squad throughout the year – but the job is not finished.

“You work hard to be given this opportunity and it is satisfying to be in this position, but we also know there is one more game to win. The Hurricanes have been the pace setters throughout the season and it will be a terrific challenge playing them at their home, but it is one we are looking forward to. Playing in front of a full house is always stimulating and we know there will be plenty of Gallagher Chiefs supporters in the crowd, ringing their cowbells loudly.” Jono Gibbes, Head Coach Gallagher Chiefs

Saturday will also be a special milestone for No8 Simon Parker , who will play his 50^th Super Rugby game for the Gallagher Chiefs. Parker made made his debut against the Crusaders in 2020. The All Blacks loose forward (eight appearances) would have reached the milestone sooner but missed the 2021 season through injury. 

“It’s a huge honour to play 50 games for this team,” Parker said, “and it will be even more special doing it in the final against the Hurricanes.” 

Parker is part of a well performing scrum that has helped the Gallagher Chiefs score six tries from the set piece in their last three games.

Now Chiefs Country has it’s role to play.

Whether you’re in the stands in Wellington, watching from home with the whānau, wearing your Chiefs kit to work or backing the team online this week is about getting behind the boys. Grand Finals are not carried by the 23 players alone, they’re carried by every voice, every jersey and every supporter who stands behind the team.

Wherever you are show your mana. This is Chiefs Country.

Facts about the match

• This weekend will be the fifth time the Gallagher Chiefs have faced the Hurricanes in the finals of Super Rugby, with each team winning twice, and this is the first time they face each other in the Grand Final.
• The Hurricanes have won one of their previous Grand Finals while the Gallagher Chiefs are in the final for the fourth year in a row and last lifted the trophy back-to-back in 2012 and 2013.
• The Gallagher Chiefs come into the Grand Final having beaten the Hurricanes in seven of their last 10 match including a thrilling extra time 22-17 win in captain Luke Jacobson’s 100th match earlier this year and a 30-19 win in the semifinal in 2024.
• Gallagher Chiefs first five Damian McKenzie is the only player to have featured in all 240 minutes of the last three Grand Finals for his side and has scored 205 points against the Hurricanes during his storied career.