Chiefs say no to Retallick return
guys that have worked hard training with us all year.’’
For Kapeli, it’s a seventh successive outing, after walking off the building site in April to keep chasing the pro rugby dream when the Chiefs came calling, having got no game time at the Highlanders last year, then having spent the 2021 pre-season at the Hurricanes.
But, unfortunately for the 28-year-old, a contract at the
Chiefs won’t be forthcoming for next year, with McMillan admitting they were pretty full in the forwards department, and that Kapeli was aware of that.
‘‘With a little bit of time up our sleeve, Zane might have been able to push his way in there,’’ McMillan said.
‘‘He’s been a really solid performer for us. I’ve had the benefit of working with him for a few years [at Bay of Plenty], so have always known that he’s been capable. He’s taken all the challenges around playing multiple positions and having to learn multiple roles and has gone about his business and performed really well.
‘‘And he’s also really well liked in the environment, he’s got a bit of character about him. So if we aren’t able to pick him up one way or another, hopefully his performance has raised the attention of other people.’’
Meanwhile, the Chiefs have named midfielder Anton LienertBrown – a star performer against the Rebels – on the bench, in line with All Blacks rest requirements, with McMillan noting that if everything goes to plan, they won’t even use him.
Alex Nankivell will start at centre, while the other changes in the backline see captain and halfback Brad Weber rotate back in for Xavier Roe, and Sean Wainui return, having nursed a hamstring since the Blues May 1 game, lining up on the left wing in place of Bailyn Sullivan.
Up front, hooker Samisoni Taukei’aho’s rotation continues, with Bradley Slater starting, while Aidan Ross returns at loosehead prop, with Reuben O’Neill to cover tighthead, in place of Sione Mafileo on a bench which also includes loose forward Tom Florence, who is in line to win a second cap.