Damian McKenzie’s 150th Super Rugby match falling in a semifinal against the Crusaders in Hamilton is special, the star first five says.
McKenzie will start in a settled Gallagher Chiefs side on Friday with the injury to Wallace Sititi and a concussion to centre Kyle Brown forcing two changes Lalakai Foketi will start at centre and Samipeni Finau comes into blindside flanker with Simon Parker moving to No8.
A fit again Liam Coombes-Fabling will start at fullback after he withdrew before kickoff against the Reds last Saturday, and All Blacks wing Leroy Carter has again been named on the bench after he failed a fitness test last week.
Kyren Taumoefolau, who starts on the left wing, has been directly involved in six tries in the last four matches, scouring four times and assisting twice.
“We are extremely excited for this match and ready to rip in. We know what to expect and we know what we need to do to win.” Damian McKenzie
McKenzie said playing the Crusaders in his milestone match would be “tough to beat” but the focus was on the team performing well, not any personal accolades.
“We have been working really hard throughout the year to put ourselves into playoff contention and to play my 150th against the Crusaders in the semifinal is special.
“We are extremely excited for this match and ready to rip in. We know what to expect and we know what we need to do to win.
After debuting for the Gallagher Chiefs in 2015, McKenzie becomes only the third player to reach the 150 milestone for the club. After 74 caps for the All Blacks and last week becoming the third highest point scorer in Super Rugby history, McKenzie is focused on the job in front of him.
“In playoff rugby there are small margins and small moments you have to nail. We know if we stay with what is true to us, it will put us in a good position. Being at home is great, we love playing in front of our fans and we are excited.”
The Gallagher Chiefs have won their last three semifinals in Super Rugby Pacific while the Crusaders have won their last seven semifinals on the bounce.
Now, history needs a full house.
In the 30th year of Chiefs Rugby and Super Rugby, this semi-final is more than another big game — it is a chance for Chiefs Country to take its seat in the next chapter of our story.
Every voice, every jersey and every whānau member in the stands becomes part of the team. FMG Stadium Waikato is our stronghold, and Friday night is our chance to make it full, loud, united and impossible to ignore.
the team are looking forward to running out to a packed FMG Stadium Waikato. fans wanting to head to the game are encouraged to get there early, with entertainment, music and giveaways before the game
Gallagher Chiefs v crusaders, fmg stadium waikato, friday 12 june
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. Simon Parker
9. Cortez Ratima
10. Damian McKenzie
11. Kyren Taumoefolau
12. Quinn Tupaea (vc)
13. Lalakai Foketi
14. Liam Coombes-Fabling
15. Isaac Hutchinson
Reserves
16. Brodie McAlister
17. Jared Proffit
18. George Dyer
19. Seuseu Naitoa Ah Kuoi
20. Kaylum Boshier
21. Xavier Roe
22. Josh Jacomb
23. Leroy Carter
Unavailable Due to Injury
Kyle Brown – Concussion – GF
Tyrone Thompson – Concussion – GF
Wallace Sititi – Concussion – TBC
Daniel Rona – Hand – Season
Emoni Narawa – Foot – Season
Etene Nanai-Seturo – Foot – Season
Jayden Sa – Shoulder – Season
