The Gallagher Chiefs have named their side to take on the Highlanders this Friday at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin for their last regular season match.
After a commanding performance against Moana Pasifika in front of a roaring home crowd at FMG Stadium Waikato, the team is ready to show they still have a lot to play for against a proud Highlanders side.
Powerhouse prop George Dyer has the opportunity to reach a major milestone from the bench. Coming onto the field would see him earn his 50th cap with the Gallagher Chiefs.
Recently awarded Player of the Year at the 2025 Chiefs Awards, Dyer has been a standout all season, anchoring the scrum and delivering consistent performances.
Having grown up in Waikato, Dyer says it’s a great privilege to play for the team.
“I’m a Chiefs man from Chiefs Country and this is a team I have always wanted to play for. I’m getting to live the dream playing here with my best mates. Not through any stroke of luck either, it’s because people put in the work and I am just extremely privileged to play here in this team.”
Etene Nanai-Seturo returns to play after sustaining a hamstring injury during the Chiefs opening match against the Blues in February. Known for his dynamic and elusive playing style, his return is a significant asset to the Chiefs backline.
Additional changes to the front row see Jared Proffit, Bradley Slater and Reuben O’Neill starting, with stalwarts Samisoni Taukei’aho and Ollie Norris adding impact alongside Dyer.
All Blacks Josh Lord and Samipeni Finau join Tupou Vaa’i in the starting line up to make the second row.
Gallagher Chiefs Head Coach Clayton McMillan says that the Highlanders recent form has demonstrated they’re a better side than what they’re given credit for.
“They’ve had narrow losses all year. Those games could have easily gone their way, and it shows how narrow the margins are in the competition this year. We know better than to underestimate them and we’re ready for a real contest down there.”
Fans are encouraged to show their colours proudly, whether they’re making the trip south or tuning in from home. Live updates and game day information will be available at www.chiefs.co.nz.
Gallagher Chiefs v Highlanders, 7:05 PM, Friday 30 May 2025, Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin
1. Jared Proffit
2. Bradley Slater
3. Reuben O’Neill
4. Josh Lord
5. Tupou Vaa’i
6. Samipeni Finau
7. Luke Jacobson (c)
8. Wallace Sititi
9. Xavier Roe
10. Damian McKenzie
11. Etene Nanai-Seturo
12. Quinn Tupaea
13. Daniel Rona
14. Leroy Carter
15. Shaun Stevenson
Reserves
16. Samisoni Taukei’aho
17. Ollie Norris
18. George Dyer
19. Naitoa Ah Kuoi
20. Simon Parker
21. Cortez Ratima
22. Josh Jacomb
23. Manasa Mataele
Players unavailable due to injury
Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Shoulder, TBC
Gideon Wrampling, Shoulder, TBC
Emoni Narawa, Lip, 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
