SKY STADIUM,WELLINGTON,NZ
PLEASE NOTE,THIS GAME WILL NOW BE PLAYED ON SATURDAY AFTERNOON, 2.35PM NZ TIME, NOT AS ORIGINALLY SCHEDULED DUE TO TROUBLE WITH FLOOD LIGHTS.
HURRICANES (1-15):
Xavier Numia, Asafo Aumua, Tyrel Lomax, James Blackwell, Dominic Bird, Devan Flanders, Du’Plessis Kirifi, Ardie Savea (c), Cameron Roigard, Aidan Morgan, Salesi Rayasi, Jordie Barrett, Pete Umaga-Jensen, Julian Savea, Josh Moorby
RESERVES: Dane Coles, Tevita Mafileo, Pasilio Tosi, TK Howden, Brayden Iose, Peter Lakai, Jamie Booth, Harry Godfrey
The ability to win the gain line is massive when you play the Chiefs so the Hurricanes have to be at their best here. They can not let McKenzie and Stevenson run riot. They will have to be brave and play their style. Silly mistakes will be punished and ball turnover is very effective from the Chiefs. With Retallick and Vaa’i working the lineout, Taukei’aho on the charge, and the Chiefs loosies looking for steals this will be a tough game. The bench players are also massive, and players must try not to give yellow or red cards.
CHIEFS (1-15):
Aidan Ross, Samisoni Taukei’aho, George Dyer, Brodie Retallick, Tupou Vaa’i, Pita Gus Sowakula, Sam Cane (co-c), Luke Jacobson, Brad Weber (co-c), Damian McKenzie, Etene Nanai-Seturo, Rameka Poihipi, Daniel Rona, Emoni Narawa, Shaun Stevenson
RESERVES: Bradley Slater, Ollie Norris, John Ryan, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Samipeni Finau, Cortez Ratima, Bryn Gatland, Peniasi Malimali
All-Black Samisoni Taukei’aho, who has re-signed for another four years with the Gallagher Chiefs this week, is supported in the front row by Aidan Ross and George Dyer.
This sees John Ryan and Ollie Norris shift to make an impact from the bench, along with Bradley Slater. The consistent locking duo of Brodie Retallick and Tupou Vaa’i remain unchanged with Naitoa Ah Kuoi as support.
Pita Gus Sowakula moves to start in the loose forwards with Sam Cane and Luke Jacobson who commands his position in No 8 once again.
Sowakula’s shift to the starting line-up will see Samipeni Finau start off the bench, as will the dynamic backline trio of Cortez Ratima, Bryn Gatland and Peniasi Malimali, who made his debut against the Rebels in round four.
Angus Ta’avao, Anton Lienert-Brown, Quinn Tupaea, Laghlan McWhannel, Atu Moli and Alex Nankivell were not considered due to injury.
Each of the last three meetings between the sides have gone the way of the Chiefs but they have all been close with the biggest margin of victory being six points.
Expect a test-match level intensity for your lunchtime rugby viewing as the Chiefs defence is able to guide them to a seventh straight victory.
Referee: Jordan Way
Assistant Referees: Dan Waenga, Mike Winter
PREDICTION.
I like the Chiefs here. The Canes have home advantage, and normally there is windy conditions in Wellington. Usually tricky to play but the Canes should be more prepared for this.
I will take the Chiefs by 2 points.
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