Coach welcomes Sowakula’s return from injury

Hamilton: Chiefs head coach Clayton McMillan has named his team to face the Blues on home soil following their 35-29 win over the Hurricanes last weekend.

The northern rivalry, proudly sponsored by Waitomo Group, will kick off at 6.05pm today at FMG Stadium Waikato.

McMillan has made three changes to his starting fifteen while two fresh faces will join the bench.

Powerful Fijian- born No.8 Pita Gus Sowakula returns from injury and is on the bench.

Sean Wainui has been named to start on the left wing in his 50th Super Rugby game. Wainui made his Super Rugby debut in 2016 for the Crusaders before heading north to pull on the Chiefs jersey in 2018.

“The Blues are a quality team,” McMillan said.

“They will be disappointed with aspects of their game from the weekend and will be determined to get back on track against us. We are prepared for the backlash and will be looking to build on last

Line-up

Chiefs: 1: Aidan Ross, 2: Samisoni Taukei’aho, 3: Angus Ta’avao, 4: Samipeni Finau, 5: Naitoa Ah Kuoi, 6: Mitchell Brown, 7: Sam Cane (cc), 8: Luke Jacobson, 9: Brad Weber (cc), 10: Kaleb Trask, 11: Sean Wainui, 12: Quinn Tupaea, 13: Anton Lienert-Brown, 14: Shaun Stevenson, 15: Damian McKenzie.

Reserves: 16. Bradley Slater, 17. Ollie Norris, 18. Reuben O’Neill,

19. Simon Parker, 20. Pita Gus Sowakula, 21. Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, 22. Alex Nankivell, 23. Chase Tiatia.

Blues: 1. Alex Hodgman 2. Luteru Tolai 3. Nepo Laulala 4. Patrick Tuipulotu © 5. Josh Goodhue 6. Akira Ioane 7. Dalton Papalii 8. Hoskins Sotutu 9. Finlay Christie

10. Otere Black 11. Caleb Clarke 12. Harry Plummer 13. Rieko Ioane 14. Mark Telea 15. Stephen Perofeta

Reserves: 16. Leni Apisai 17. Karl Tu’inukuafe 18. Ofa Tuungafasi

19. Gerard Cowley-Tuioti 20. Tom Robinson 21. Adrian Choat 22. Jonathan Ruru 23. TJ Faiane.

- Super Rugby Aotearoa