SUPER RUGBY ,ROUND 9, APRIL 21st,2023 WAIKATO CHIEFS v FIJIAN DRUA
FMG STADIUM, HAMILTON,NZ
CHIEFS (1-15):
Aidan Ross, 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
RESERVES: Tyrone Thompson, Jared Profitt, Solomone Tukuafu, Josh Lord, Tupou Vaa’i, Simon Parker, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Gideon Wrampling
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. All blacks captain has been rested.
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 McMillan has Tupou Vaa’i to bring on too.
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
RESERVES: Mesulame Dolokoto, Livai Natave, Jone Tiko, Chris Minimbi, Rusiate Masove, Philip Baselala, Kailione Nasoko, Kitione Taliga
Drua coach Mick Byrne has made some subtle tweaks to his side from the one that fell away against the Brumbies last week in the final 10 minutes.
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.
Referee: Brendon Pickerill
Assistant Referees: James Doleman, Marcus Playle
It’s the final round of byes in the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific competition and the tiers are starting to separate in the competition.
With the Brumbies and Hurricanes on a bye, the Chiefs have a chance to open up a lead at the top of the table.
Both the Crusaders and Blues will also be chasing maximum points in their games to give themselves some breathing space on the rest of the chasing pack.
For me this is a question of how much will the Chiefs win by. Facing an unbeaten side in front of their home crowd does not get much harder than this.
PREDICTION.
I think the Chiefs will win and win easy .If you are betting you can go 15 plus points and also any time try scorer Damian McKenzie thrown in with Samisoni Taukei’aho any time try scorer as a bonus.
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