Charlie Ngatai’s loss is Sam McNicol’s gain for the Chiefs, with the Test midfielder’s fresh headaches ruling him out of the Super Rugby side’s all-Kiwi derby with the Crusaders in Fiji on Friday.
Ngatai returned from a 12-month concussion-enforced absence just 12 days ago, playing as his side secured a thumping 46-17 win over the Reds in New Plymouth.
But he has since suffered a recurrence of the headaches that blighted him in 2016, and will sit out the match in Suva.
The 26-year-old’s absence gives McNicol another opportunity in the midfield alongside second-five Anton Lienert-Brown.
“Sam’s played accurately for us when he’s started at centre – he’s reading the defence really well and is a deeply competitive man,” Chiefs assistant coach Andrew Strawbridge told reporters.
Stephen Donald, meanwhile, makes way for a recuperated Aaron Cruden after dominating proceedings in Taranaki against the Reds.
The Chiefs have also lost winger Toni Pulu to a hamstring injury, allowing Tim Nanai-Williams to return to the fold.
Nanai-Williams dislocated his shoulder against the Hurricanes in March and Strawbridge was grateful to have him back.
“Tim’s one of our best outside backs and has been for a long time – he gives us speed and power in that position and has been training well,” Strawbridge said.
Strawbridge also said the Chiefs were bracing for a step-up in intensity, having avoided sides in the New Zealand conference since round three.
He said it was a perfect opportunity for his troops to test themselves against the best, with the Crusaders unbeaten in 2017.
“We have built up a pretty strong rivalry with them over the years, it’s not often you get to test yourself against Test-quality players,” Strawbridge said.
“That’s why you play sport – for the times when it’s really tough.”
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.
Thirty-three years after going down to Queensland in Brisbane, Warren Gatland’s Welsh side will complete their tour of Australia in July by once again…
The Brumbies have been given an early season reality check, as Stephen Larkham’s men were thumped by the Chiefs 46-12 at AAMI Park on…
The Chiefs face a worrying wait over the fitness of star No.10 Damian McKenzie, who was forced off early in the second half of…
As we finish up our list of the 50 players we think are set to make a splash in 2024, it’s important to recognise…
Super Rugby Pacific has been dominated by the Kiwis so far for a reason: incredibly strong depth. It’s the obstacle that the Australian and…
Super Rugby is set for a serious shake-up in 2024 with new coaches and players, and as the season progresses, many of the players…
