FMG STADIUM,HAMILTON,NZ
The top-of-the-table Chiefs are set to do battle with last year’s finalist, the Blues at FMG Stadium. The Blues will be looking to close the gap on the ladder leaders, after a tough win against the Force. The Blues have won five of their last six matches against the Chiefs, including their last three. A win this weekend would give the Blues their best run against the Chiefs since 1999. The Chiefs are hot right now, claiming maximum points across their opening five games. The Blues have been equally impressive on the road, winning their last 11 games on the bounce. This should be a blockbuster with the competition’s best defence set to be seriously tested by a star-studded Blues backline.
CHIEFS (1-15):
Ollie Norris, Samisoni Taukei’aho, John Ryan, Brodie Retallick, Tupou Vaa’i, Samipeni Finau, Sam Cane (co-c), Luke Jacobson, Brad Weber (co-c), Damian McKenzie, Etene Nanai-Seturo, Rameka Poihipi, Daniel Rona, Emoni Narawa, Shaun Stevenson
RESERVES: Tyrone Thompson, Aidan Ross, George Dyer, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Pita Gus Sowakula, Cortez Ratima, Bryn Gatland, Liam Coombes-Fabling
BLUES (1-15):
Jordan Lay, Ricky Riccitelli, Nepo Laulala, Cameron Suafoa, Sam Darry, Anton Segner, Dalton Papalii (c), Hoskins Sotutu, Finlay Christie, Beauden Barrett, Caleb Clarke, Harry Plummer, Rieko Ioane, AJ Lam, Stephen Perofeta
RESERVES: Kurt Eklund, Ofa Tuungafasi, James Lay, Patrick Tuipulotu, Tom Robinson, Sam Nock, Corey Evans, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens/Zarn Sullivan
Referee: Angus Gardner
Assistant Referees: Ben O’Keeffe, Marcus Playle
PREDICTION.
This will be a close fought game I believe with both sides after bragging rights. As neighbours there is little love lost. Some wonderful match ups here ,none better than Sam Cane verses Dalton Papalii, Weber verses Christie. I think the Chiefs have a better line out also and wonderful finishers in Stevenson and McKenzie.
Since I have to pick a winner, I am going with the Chiefs but not by much, maybe plus 2.5 points.
Read this too.
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