WAIKATO STADIUM NZ JUNE 17th 2023
In an eagerly anticipated Super Rugby Pacific semi-final matchup, all eyes turn to the magnificent Waikato Stadium, where the Chiefs and Brumbies will face off in a riveting encounter. The Chiefs, considered strong favorites, aim to rebound from a somewhat sloppy performance in their previous game. They cannot afford to repeat the same mistakes, as the Brumbies possess the potential to exploit any weaknesses and turn the tide in their favor.
Leading up to this crucial clash, the Chiefs have made strategic changes to their starting lineup. Prop George Dyer, lock Tupou Vaa’i, and centre Alex Nankivell have stepped in, replacing John Ryan, Josh Lord, and Rameka Poihipi, respectively. With an exceptional season record of 13 wins out of 14 round-robin matches, the Chiefs have been a force to be reckoned with. However, their lone defeat on their home turf against the Reds came as a surprising twist. Fortunately, they redeemed themselves in a recent encounter, defeating the Reds 29-20 in their own stadium and securing their spot in the semi-finals. While the Chiefs’ performance did not reach the heights seen earlier in the competition, they remain the favorites to clinch the tournament title and stand a strong chance of triumphing over the Brumbies in their own territory.
The Brumbies started the season with a bang and emerged as the Chiefs’ primary competition in the initial stages of the tournament. However, their overall performance did not match the standards set in the previous campaign. Nonetheless, the Brumbies possess a squad capable of defeating any opponent on their day, especially within their group, where they often hold the upper hand. Their recent impressive victory against the Hurricanes, securing a decisive 37-33 scoreline, highlights their determination and resilience. Speedster Corey Toole, who missed the quarter-final due to an ankle injury, returns to the lineup, providing an additional edge off the bench. Head coach Stephen Larkham has made a single change to the starting side, with Tom Hooper bolstering the backrow in place of Jahrome Brown. Furthermore, the composed performance of Jack Debreczeni at No.10 against the Hurricanes has earned him the nod over Noah Lolesio once again, while Darcy Swain adds further firepower among the reserves. Tom Hooper’s inclusion at blindside flanker alongside Pete Samu and Rob Valetini’s positional shift adds strength to their lineup.
The stage is set for a monumental clash as the Chiefs look to replicate their previous victory against the Brumbies. With an impressive record of winning 14 out of their last 15 matches, the Chiefs exude confidence and determination. However, the Brumbies have emerged victorious in three out of their last five encounters against their rivals, adding a layer of unpredictability to the match. As rugby enthusiasts anticipate an electrifying contest, the Waikato Stadium will witness an intense battle for supremacy between two formidable teams.
CHIEFS (15-1): Shaun Stevenson, Emoni Narawa, Alex Nankivell, Anton Lienert-Brown, Etene Nanai-Seturo, Damian McKenzie, Brad Weber (co-c), Luke Jacobson, Sam Cane (co-c), Samipeni Finau, Tupou Vaa’i, Brodie Retallick, George Dyer, Samisoni Taukei’aho, Aidan Ross
Reserves: Tyrone Thompson, Ollie Norris, John Ryan, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Pita Gus Sowakula, Cortez Ratima, Josh Ioane, Rameka Poihipi.
BRUMBIES (15-1): Tom Wright, Andy Muirhead, Len Ikitau, Tamati Tua, Ollie Sapsford, Jack Debreczeni, Nic White (c), Rob Valetini, Pete Samu, Tom Hooper, Cadeyrn Neville, Nick Frost, Sefo Kautai, Lachlan Lonergan, James Slipper
Reserves: Connal McInerney, Blake Schoupp, Rhys van Nek, Darcy Swain, Luke Reimer, Ryan Lonergan, Noah Lolesio, Corey Toole
Referee: Nic Berry
PREDICTION
The Chiefs will start as favourites and they deserve this tag, but as a Crusaders fan I am hoping the Brumbies can win this which would create a Crusaders v Brumbies final in Christchurch the following weekend. As it stands The Crusaders are in the final but a home final would be the icing on the cake for coach Razor Robertson especially.
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