Chiefs shuffle the deck
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Chiefs head coach Colin Cooper has unveiled his team to face the Sunwolves in Hamilton on Saturday.
The Waikato side without the services of All Blacks trio Anton Lienert-Brown, Nathan Harris and Nepo Laulala.
That was the verdict from head coach Colin Cooper, who told TVNZ that his three test stars are being forced out of contention due to the management of the All Blacks’ game time in the opening three rounds of Super Rugby as the World Cup looms.
The Chiefs will welcome the return of wing Sean Wainui and midfield cover Alex Nankivell, who will make their first appearance of the 2019 Super Rugby competition.
Hooker Samisoni Taukei’aho will have his first start in the Chiefs jersey in a new front row combination of Aidan Ross, Taukei’aho and Angus Ta’avao. Legendary lock Brodie Retallick and Michael Allardice will complete the tight five. Loose forward Mitchell Brown will don jersey No.6 and Mitchell Karpik earns his first start at No.7 for the season with Lachlan Boshier named in the reserves. Taleni Seu moves into the starting fifteen after Tyler Ardron was ruled out with concussion. Taranaki’s Jesse Parete will provide cover on the bench.
Brad Weber returns to start at scrumhalf, with Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi moving to the bench. Unchanged at ten, Damian McKenzie will steer the backline for the Chiefs. Impressive midfielder Orbyn Leger will start at his preferred inside position combining with centre Tumua Manu in the midfield. The back three will remain unchanged with the exception of returning wing Wainui who has been named on the right wing ahead of Ataata Moeakiola who has been named in jersey No.23.
In the reserves, Taranaki hooker Bradley Slater who will be looking to make his Investec Super Rugby debut off the bench. Slater will be joined by Tasman midfielder Nankivell who will don jersey No.22. Propping duo Tevita Mafielo and Sosefo Kautai maintain their position in the 23 as cover.
Chiefs: 15 Shaun Stevenson, 14 Sean Wainui, 13 Tumua Manu, 12 Orbyn Leger, 11 Etene Nanai-Seturo, 10 Damian McKenzie, 9 Brad Weber, 8 Taleni Seu, 7 Mitchell Karpik, 6 Mitchell Brown, 5 Michael Allardice, 4 Brodie Retallick (captain), 3 Angus Ta'avao, 2 Samisoni Taukei'aho, 1 Aidan Ross.
Replacements: 16 Bradley Slater, 17 Tevita Mafileo, 18 Sefo Kautai, 19 Jesse Parete, 20 Lachlan Boshier, 21 Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, 22 Alex Nankivell, 23 Ataata Moeakiola.
Date: Saturday, March 2
Venue: FMG Stadium, Hamilton
Kick-off: 19.35 (15.35 Japan time; 06.35 GMT)
Referee: Federico Anselmi (Argentina)
Assistant referees: Nick Briant (New Zealand), Dan Waenga (New Zealand)
TMO: Shane McDermott (New Zealand)