The Chiefs aren’t pulling any punches for his or her spherical 15 contest towards the Blues in Auckland, naming a top-string XV regardless of their quarter-final opponents already being determined.
As an alternative of competitors factors, the workforce might be enjoying for satisfaction, confidence and momentum heading into the knockout phases. Ought to they upset the apple cart at Eden Park, the Blues might lose their high seed on the desk and even fall as little as third.
Serving to the Hamilton membership attain that purpose is All Black Samipeni Finau, who returns after a multi-week absence with damage to reclaim the No. 6 jersey.
“We are glad to welcome back some artillery this week,” Chiefs coach Clayton McMillan said. “The guys have been getting restless on the sidelines so it will be good to get some minutes under their belt ahead of finals. There is still a lot of rugby to play so we are glad to have the majority of our squad fit and ready.
“We can’t deny that the Blues have been outstanding this season. They have great depth in their squad and have put on some notable displays of their skill. We look forward to the test.”
Joining Finau in the loose forward trio is fellow All Black and Chiefs captain Luke Jacobson alongside star rookie Wallace Sititi.
Rotation for rest purposes sees Bradley Slater and Samisoni Taukei’aho switch jerseys, landing the All Blacks hooker an impact role for the occasion. Aidan Ross and George Dyer join Slater in the starting XV.
Fresh of a new contract extension, Naitoa Ah Kuoi also steps into the starting unit for the unavailable Tupou Vaa’i, partnered by Jimmy Tupou in the second row, with the latter also returning to fitness just in time for the playoffs.
Cortez Ratima and Damian McKenzie line up in the No. 9 and 10 jerseys respectively, looking to feed a midfield duo of Rameka Poihipi and Daniel Rona.
The lethal back three contingent of Etene Nanai-Seturo, Emoni Narawa and Shaun Stevenson will have their hands full against an All Blacks trio in the Blues backfield.
Fixture
Super Rugby Pacific
Blues
Chiefs
Chiefs team to face the Blues
1. Aidan Ross
2. Bradley Slater
3. George Dyer
4. Naitoa Ah Kuoi
5. Jimmy Tupou
6. Samipeni Finau
7. Luke Jacobson
8. Wallace Sititi
9. Cortez Ratima
10. Damian McKenzie
11. Etene Nanai-Seturo
12. Rameka Poihipi
13. Daniel Rona
14. Emoni Narawa
15. Shaun Stevenson
Reserves
16. Samisoni Taukei’aho
17. Ollie Norris
18. Sione Ahio
19. Simon Parker
20. Kaylum Boshier
21. Xavier Roe
22. Quinn Tupaea
23. Peniasi Malimali
Unavailable for selection: Kaleb Trask, Josh Lord, Gideon Wrampling, Malachi Wrampling, Tupou Vaa’i, and Anton Lienert-Brown.
