The Gallagher Chiefs have named their side to take on the Crusaders in Christchurch this Saturday at Apollo Projects Stadium. The fixture is set to be a top-of-the-table battle, with both teams fighting for crucial points as the playoffs approach.
Naitoa Ah Kuoi and Wallace Sititi add firepower to the forward pack after making valuable contributions off the bench in recent weeks.
Fans will be delighted to see Damian McKenzie returning at first five-eighth after two weeks on the sideline with a hand injury. His presence adds to an already exciting backline and will be a welcome boost for the Gallagher Chiefs as they prepare for a crucial match.
Brodie McAlister has been named at hooker and is set to face off against familiar foes. Now wearing the Chiefs jersey with pride, the former Crusaders hooker brings a wealth of experience and knowledge of southern tactics, adding fuel to one of Super Rugby’s fiercest rivalries.
Gallagher Chiefs Head Coach says his side is focused on fronting up for the challenge, regardless of last weekend’s result.
“The Crusaders are a class team, have a formidable record at home, and look back to their best. We’re really looking forward to locking horns. We got taught a lesson last week and we haven’t shied away from where our shortcomings were. The lads have trained well so we shall see if that manifests into a performance we can be proud and is good enough to beat a tough Crusaders side”.
With just a few rounds remaining, every game counts as the Gallagher Chiefs push to secure a playoff position. Saturday’s match promises to be a thrilling encounter between two of Super Rugby Pacific’s biggest rivals.
Gallagher Chiefs v Crusaders, 7.05PM, Saturday 10th May 2025, Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch.
1. Ollie Norris
2. Brodie McAlister
3. George Dyer
4. Naitoa Ah Kuoi
5. Tupou Vaa’i
6. Simon Parker
7. Luke Jacobson (c)
8. Wallace Sititi
9. Cortez Ratima
10. Damian McKenzie
11. Leroy Carter
12. Quinn Tupaea
13. Daniel Rona
14. Emoni Narawa
15. Shaun Stevenson
Reserves:
16. Samisoni Taukei’aho
17. Aidan Ross
18. Reuben O’Neill
19. Josh Lord
20. Samipeni Finau
21. Xavier Roe
22. Josh Jacomb
23. Gideon Wrampling
Players unavailable due to injury:
Etene Nanai-Seturo, Hamstring, Returning Soon
Kaleb Trask, Ankle, Mid-term
Anton Lienert Brown, Collarbone, Mid-term
Malachi Wrampling, Hamstring, Mid-term
Fiti Sa, Shoulder, Long-term
Rameka Poihipi, Knee, Season
