Chiefs
50
Match Complete
Fijian Drua
17
| D. McKenzie |  | 81 | ||
| E. Nanai-Seturo |  | 80 | ||
| T. Vaa'i | | 73 | ||
| D. McKenzie | | 71 | ||
| B. Retallick | | 70 | ||
| 45 | | I. Droasese | ||
| D. McKenzie | | 39 | ||
| S. Taukei'aho | | 37 | ||
| 36 | | M. Naitokani | ||
| D. McKenzie | | 26 | ||
| K. Boshier | | 19 | ||
| 16 | | T. Tela | ||
| 16 | | E. Canakaivata | ||
| D. McKenzie | | 8 | ||
| S. Stevenson | | 7 | ||
| D. McKenzie | | 3 | ||
| C. Ratima | | 2 |
| 8 | Tries | 3 | ||
| 5 | Conversions | 1 | ||
| 0 | Penalty Goals | 0 | ||
| 0 | Field Goals | 0 |
The Chiefs have made several changes to the side to take on the Fijian Drua, including resting captain Sam Cane- but they can’t afford to take the Drua for granted. Join The Roar for live updates from 5:05pm (AEST).
All Blacks starters Samisoni Taukei’aho and Brodie Retallick have been included in an imposing tight-five, while Pita Gus Sowakula has been named at No.8.
The backline, as it has all year, has speed and threats across the field with Cortez Ratima promoted at halfback. He will partner Bryn Gatland in the halves, with Damian McKenzie shifting to fullback. Josh Lord, meanwhile, makes a welcomed return via the bench and coach Clayton McMillan has Tupou Vaa’i to bring on too.
“The Fijian Drua have shown rapid improvement in their second season and have our full respect and attention,” McMillan said.
“We know they have the athletes and skills to hurt you, particularly through the middle of the park where their power and athleticism can bend defensive lines and allow them to offload in contact.
“For us, there is some rotation, in part because of injury to regular starters, but also to reward those who have been working hard and demanding their opportunity.
“It is particularly pleasing to see Josh Lord and Gideon Wrampling back after long absences. Their return, and the expected return of others in the coming weeks, will trend us closer to a full squad to select from, and that’s exactly what we want heading into the back half of the season.”
Drua coach Mick Byrne has made some subtle tweaks to his side from the one that fell away against the Brumbies in the final 10 minutes last week.
Captain Tevita Ikanivere returns at hooker while Tevita Ikanivere shifts to openside flanker with Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta named at No.8.
A new midfield combination sees Michael Naitokani start at inside centre, with blockbusting centre Apisalome Vota outside him. Ilaisa Droasese comes into the starting side on the right-wing.
Game information
Venue: FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton
Kick-off: 5:05pm (AEST)
Streaming: Stan Sport
Betting: Chiefs $1.06, Drua $10.00 – odds via PlayUp
Teams
Chiefs (1-15): Ollie Norris, Samisoni Taukei’aho, John Ryan, Brodie Retallick (c), Manaaki Selby-Rickit, Samipeni Finau, Kaylum Boshier, Pita Gus Sowakula, Cortez Ratima, Bryn Gatland, Etene Nanai-Seturo, Rameka Poihipi, Daniel Rona, Shaun Stevenson, Damian McKenzie
Replacements: Tyrone Thompson, Jared Proffit, Solomone Tukuafu, Josh Lord, Tupou Vaa’i, Simon Parker, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Gideon Wrampling
Drua (1-15): Haereiti Hetet, Tevita Ikanivere (c), Samuela Tawake, Isoa Nasilasila, Leone Rotuisolia, Joseva Tamani, Elia Canakaivata, Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, Peni Matawalu, Teti Tela, Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, Michael Naitokani, Apisalome Vota, Ilaisa Droasese, Selestino Ravutaumada
Replacements: Mesulame Dolokoto, Livai Natave, Jone Tiko, Chris Minimbi, Rusiate Nasove, Philip Baselala, Kalione Nasoko, Kitione Taliga
Wig
Roar Rookie
be a cracker game either way :thumbup:
OtakiCraig
Roar Rookie
Good luck with that especially after the Crusaders showing against the Rebels. I suspect the Chiefs won’t give the Crusaders the same openings the Rebels did
Carlin
Roar Rookie
The good thing about Finau is he never really has a quiet game. He always seems to be highly involved and gets better the more he plays.
Paulo
Roar Rookie
See it every game from all teams, very seldom called by any referee, despite what some Kispiracy theorists will try and imply. Really dislike it personally, completely negates a pilfer.
JD Kiwi
Roar Rookie
One thing Foster got right. Used to range out wide but now he's using his bulk up close to good effect. BTW Brodie had another mighty game too.
JD Kiwi
Roar Rookie
In 2012 and 2013 we beat them in the first match, they beat us in the second, and we won in the playoffs. That would do nicely.
JD Kiwi
Roar Rookie
Yes I mentioned him to Highlander a few weeks ago. Playing seriously well and still only 23.
Pete Samu's Tucked Shirt
Roar Rookie
Agree, but it's Pickerill refereeing so that says it all
donmcdazzle
Roar Rookie
Completely agree - I reckon he’s looked class every time he’s been given a chance this year.
Old Bugger
Roar Rookie
Wow - did I just witness a challenger for the AB's No 6 jersey?? Samipeni Finau has been quite magnificent every time he's started or run on and tonight, was no difference. He's a big bloke at 6' 5" and 115kg. I mean, that's bigger than Frizell. He's got soft hands, safe hands, good speed and a lethal tackle when it's necessary. We been waiting so long for a JK type player - I think we just saw him tonight. He's my AB bolter this year. Oh and btw, great game, great win considering the conditions and as for the ref - well, good riddance.
KiwiHaydn
Roar Rookie
The Chiefs are playing such a great brand of rugby this season. Switched off for a bit there, but they are just so dangerous.
Wig
Roar Rookie
I think I'll pick crusaders next week against the chiefs. McKenzie's a flat out attack master he is number 1 for me he's got the full package
Rongowhakaata
Roar Rookie
Good to see Josh Lord get through some work without mishap.
Atlas
Roar Rookie
First SR match for Josh Lord since May 2022 when he ruptured his ACL; he's played 40min for the development squad then two 60 minute club games - one in Taranaki for Coastal (the Barretts' club) one in King Country for Districts. 2.02m, and two AB tests pre-injury aged 20, at 22 he could be the future after Retallick/Whitelock
81
80
JD Kiwi
Roar Rookie
Relieved to get the bonus point, hung in well. Good second half from the Drua
FrancisF
Roar Pro
Leaks here and there always happen like our water taps in the kitchen and bathrooms.
73
71