ALLIANZ STADIUM,SYDNEY.
WARATAHS (1-15):
Te Tera Faulkner, Mahe Vailanu, Harry Johnson-Holmes, Jed Holloway, Ned Hanigan, Lachlan Swinton, Michael Hooper, Will Harris, Jake Gordon (c), Ben Donaldson, Dylan Pietsch, Joey Walton, Izaia Perese, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Ben Dowling
RESERVES: Tolu Latu, Tom Lambert, Dan Botha, Taleni Seu, Zac Von Appen, Harrison Goddard, Harry Wilson, Nemani Nadolo
The Waratahs are in crisis mode after a number of injuries during the loss to the Hurricanes in Wellington last weekend.
In total, there are eight changes to the starting side with all but three injury related.
Loose-head prop Tom Lambert has been rotated back to the bench with Te Tera Faulkner returning, while Wallabies Dave Porecki returns to bolster the front-row after missing the past two weeks.
Wallabies utility forward Jed Holloway returns to the second-row to partner Ned Hanigan, who made his return last weekend. Saleni Seu drops back to the bench.
The back-row has been hit hard with injury, with Charlie Gamble (shoulder) and Langi Gleeson (calf) ruled out. As such, Lachie Swinton returns at blindside flanker while Will Harris returns to the back of the scrum.
The halves pairing remains the same, but the midfield has had a tweak following Lalakai Foketi’s shoulder injury which sees Joey Walton make a long-awaited return at inside centre.
CHIEFS (1-15):
Aidan Ross, Bradley Slater, John Ryan, Brodie Retallick, Manaaki Selby-Rickit, Samipeni Finau, Same Cane (co-c), Pita Gus Sowakula, Brad Weber (co-c), Bryn Gatland, Etene Nani-Seturo, Rameka Poihipi, Alex Nankivell, Emoni Narawa, Damian McKenzie
RESERVES: Samisoni Taukei’aho, Ollie Norris, George Dyer, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Kaylum Boshier, Cortez Ratima, Daniel Rona, Shaun Stevenson
The Chiefs welcome back three of their rested All Blacks, while Damian McKenzie returns to fullback in his 100th Super Rugby match.
Brodie Retallick, Sam Cane and Brad Weber are all back for the clash in Sydney after being rested against the Rebels.
McKenzie replaces Shaun Stevenson, who drops to the bench after playing the full 80 minutes in all four games.
All Blacks hooker Samisoni Taukei’aho meanwhile gives the Chiefs some power in the second half.
Referee: Jordan Way
Assistant Referees: Angus Gardner, Matt Kellahan
PREDICTION.
For me I have to go with the Chiefs .The Waratahs talked themselves up pre season but again are a disappointment. Even away from home I think the Chiefs will be to good. McKenzie in the fullback position will be dangerous.
I will take the Chiefs to win by a dozen points and Mckenzie anytime try scorer.
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