Every point counts for unbeaten Chiefs
With the Shop N Save Super Rugby returning to Yarrow Stadium in New Plymouth, Chiefs coach Clayton McMillan has named four Taranaki players in his run-on side to play the Reds tonight.
Prop Jared Proffit, New Plymouth Boys High School alumnus Bradley Slater, and All Black locks Tupou Vaa’i and Josh Lord have all been handed starts.
Chiefs No.8 Luke Jacobson will captain the side in Sam Cane and Brad Weber’s absences, and is joined by Samipeni Finau and Simon Parker in the loose forwards. Cortez Ratima will start at halfback, with Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi providing cover from the bench. The in-form Damian McKenzie has been retained at first-five.
Rameka Poihipi and Anton Lienert-Brown will command the midfield with Alex Nankivell named on the substitutes bench. McMillan is looking forward to heading down to Taranaki to welcome the Reds.
“It is home to a number of our players, and it will be a proud moment for those who were fit and available to play in front of friends and family,” he said.
“That played a part in our squad selection; alongside All Blacks rest protocols, increasing squad readiness for upcoming games, and respecting the huge challenge the Reds will bring.
“At this stage of the season, every point counts and I have no doubt both teams will come eager to lock horns in the bullring.”
Daugunu at No.13
Meanwhile, the Reds have moved winger Filipo Daugunu to centre with Suliasi Vunivalu at wing. Former Fijian Under-20 captain Seru Uru starts at No.8 relegating Harry Wilson to the bench.
After scoring his first Super Rugby try last weekend, former Flying
Fijian tighthead prop Peni Ravai makes the starting line-up to take on Proffit.
The match kicks off at 7.05pm
Line-up Chiefs:
1-Jared Proffit, 2-Bradley Slater, 3-John Ryan, 4-Tupou Vaa’i, 5-Josh Lord, 6-Samipeni Finau, 7-Simon Parker, 8-Luke Jacobson, 9-Cortez Ratima, 10-Damian McKenzie, 11-Etene Nanai-Seturo, 12-Rameka Poihipi, 13-Anton Lienert-Brown, 14-Emoni Narawa, 15-Shaun Stevenson
Reserves: 16-Tyrone Thompson, 17-Ollie Norris, 18-Atunaisa Moli, 19-Manaaki Selby-Rickit, 20-Naitoa
Ah Kuoi, 21-Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, 22-Josh Ioane, 23-Alex Nankivell.
Reds: 1. George Blake, 2. Richie Asiata, 3. Peni Ravai, 4. Angus Blyth, 5. Connor Vest, 6. Liam Wright, 7. Fraser McRreight, 8. Seru Uru, 9. Tate McDermott (captain) 10. Lawson Creighton, 11. Mac Gealy, 12. James O’Connor, 13. Filipo Daugunu, 14. Suliasi Vunivalu,
15. Jock Campbell.
Reserves: 16. Matt Faessler, 17. Sef Fa’agase, 18. Zane Nonggorr.
19. Ryan Smith, 20. Harry Wilson, 21. Louis Werchon, 22. Tom Lynagh, 23. Paddy James.