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Round 7 of Super Rugby opens in Hamilton when the Chiefs host the Blues. Join The Roar for live scores and coverage of this northern New Zealand derby from 5:35pm (AEST).
The form book suggests this will be a resounding victory for the home team.
Not only did the Chiefs produce arguably the best performance by any team of the season last weekend in demolishing championship contenders the Brumbies in Canberra, they have won their last nine matches against the Blues, who have lost their last 11 away from home.
A feature of the Chiefs’ play this season has been the depth of their roster. Coach Dave Rennie hasn’t been afraid to rotate his squad and once again he has made multiple changes.
All Black Brodie Retallick returns from injury, while former Crusaders lock Dominic Bird debuts for the franchise. New Zealand under-20s prop Atu Moli earns his first start at tighthead prop, Maama Vaipulu is promoted from the bench to start at blindside flanker along with promising outside back Shaun Stevenson.
In the replacements, flanker Sam Henwood and winger Sam McNicol return to the 23.
While the Chiefs have been a model of consistency, with five wins in six games, the Blues have been the opposite, with two wins, two defeats and a draw in five starts.
Both sides are dangerous and exciting from broken play, but the Blues forwards need to muscle up, especially in light of two key injures.
Otago and Wellington lock Hoani Matenga makes his starting debut, replacing the injured Patrick Tuipulotu, who will be out for two weeks with a fractured hand. Prop Sam Prattley gets his first start of the season, coming in for Nic Mayhew, who is out for at least two weeks with a knee injury suffered in his debut against the Jaguares last week.
Prediction
The Chiefs should win, but the Blues will finish closer than the Brumbies.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.