CHIEFS v BRUMBIES
GAME 5, SUNDAY, MARCH 3rd, 2024
Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham has had the luxury of making just one change to his starting line-up, with tighthead prop Sosefo Kautai replacing Rhys van Nek.
Van Nek has been named on the bench while reserve halfback Harrison Goddard is also in line for a Brumbies debut after replacing Klayton Thorn.
Both teams recorded impressive wins in round one, with the Brumbies dispatching the Rebels 30-3 and the Chiefs edging the defending champion Crusaders 33-29.
CHIEFS (1-15)
Ollie Norris, Bradley Slater, George Dyer, Manaaki Selby-Rickit, Tupou Vaa’i, Samipeni Finau, Kalyum Boshier, Luke Jacobson (c), Xavier Roe, Damian McKenzie, Etene Nanai-Seturo, Rameka Poihipi, Anton Lienert-Brown, Liam Coombes-Fabling, Shaun Stevenson
RESERVES: Samisoni Taukei’aho, Jared Proffit, Reuben O’Neill, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Simon Parker, Cortez Ratima, Josh Ioane, Daniel Rona
BRUMBIES (1-15)
James Slipper, Lachlan Lonergan, Sosefo Kautai, Nick Frost, Tom Hooper, Rob Valetini, Luke Reimer, Charlie Cale, Ryan Lonergan (c), Noah Lolesio, Corey Toole, Ollie Sapsford, Len Ikitau, Andy Muirhead, Tom Wright
RESERVES: Billy Pollard, Blake Schoupp, Rhys Van Nek, Cadeyrn Neville, Jahrome Brown, Harrison Goddard, Declan Meredith, Tamati Tua
Referee: Jordan Way
Assistant Referees: Mike Winter, Dan Waenga
Chiefs star Damian McKenzie has been named to start at No.10 after being forced to the side line with a rib injury in round one.
Rameka Poihipi is in for Quinn Tupaea (concussion) at inside centre while Manaaki Selby-Rickit, George Dyer and Ollie Norris are new faces in the starting pack.
There is one enforced change to the backline, with fellow All Black Quinn Tupaea out after the concussion sustained last Friday night, replaced at second-five by vice-captain Rameka Poihipi.
In the pack, Manaaki Selby-Rickit comes in to start at lock, which sees Naitoa Ah Kuoi go to the bench (in place of Jimmy Tupou), while props George Dyer and Ollie Norris are promoted to start, in place of Reuben O’Neill and Aidan Ross, the latter rotated out of the matchday squad, with Jared Proffit coming in.
PRDICTION
I am leaning the way of the Chiefs in this game. They are certainly early favourites for the title, but I am sure the Brumbies have an opinion on that. Probably the game of the weekend, and a key indicator trans-Tasman battles for the season ahead ,if Australia can improve on last year’s six, anyway, the Brumbies will be looking for a major Kiwi scalp on this weekend for the second straight year. Last year it was the Blues, but this year the Chiefs stand in their way, looking to build early season momentum just as they did in 2023. Damian McKenzie opened up the Crusaders before he was replaced with some rib soreness last week, but it wasn’t a happy return for Quinn Tupaea who was subbed off with concussion on his return. His place is taken by Rameka Poihipi while Manaaki Selby-Rickit, Ollie Norris and George Dyer are all promoted to the starting side up front. The Brumbies, meanwhile, are unchanged from the team that held the Rebels scoreless, and ran in 30 points of their own, in what was a typically ruthless performance from the ACT outfit. They will know their opposition this week represents a whole new challenge, but they have the ability to upset the bookmakers here and come away with what may become a vital win by the end of the year. If McKenzie stays on the paddock to guide the Chiefs they will get home. Remember he was forced off in the first game after a tackle from Levi Aumua. This will still be tender and the Brumbies should soften him up a little more. If I was a loosie I would be going after him all game. Both of these teams will be in the 8 later in the season but wins count for home advantage later on. Chiefs by 3 points.
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