McMillan wants win to put Chiefs back on track
Chiefs head coach Clayton McMillan has made seven changes in their line-up as he looks for a winning combination against the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua in tomorrow’s Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific clash in Hamilton, New Zealand.
The Chiefs suffered an upset loss to the Queensland Reds and McMillan wants them to bounce back with a convincing win against the Fijians at the FMG Stadium Waikato.
But with three teams locked on 10 competition points after a few rounds, and a further three teams just behind them on nine, the Chiefs are desperate to return to winning ways at home.
“We are looking forward to hosting the Fijian Drua and the massive challenge they present,” McMillan said.
“Their willingness to play with flair and enterprise has been impressive and built off the back of a vastly improved set-piece.
“It was disappointing to lose against a tough Reds team, but it put a spotlight on areas of our game we need to improve, and that has been a big focus for us this week.
“Josh Lord’s return is timely given an injury to Naitoa Ah Kuoi and Tupou Vaa’i on an All Blacks load management week.
“Tom Florence also gets his first opportunity this year after impressing over the pre-season and in training.”
Of the changes in the forward pack, Ruben O’Neill has been promoted to the starting side while a new-look lock duo of Manaaki Selby-Rickit and Jimmy Tupou will pack down in the second row. All Blacks Samipeni Finau and captain Luke Jacobson have both retained their spots in the backrow, but Simon Parker makes way for the always-reliable Kaylum Boshier.
Super Rugby veteran Anton Lienert-Brown returns to the starting side at outside centre, while Shaun Stevenson’s move from wing to fullback has opened the door for Daniel Rona to start in the No. 14 jumper.
The Drua flies out to Auckland, this morning on their way to Hamilton.
The match kicks-off at 6.05pm.