MAY 27th, GIO STADIUM,CANBERRA
In what promises to be a riveting encounter, the Waikato Chiefs are gearing up to go head-to-head against the formidable ACT Brumbies in Round 14 of the highly anticipated Super Rugby Pacific. Taking place on May 27th at the renowned GIO Stadium in Canberra, this clash of the titans is set to deliver an unforgettable spectacle for rugby fans around the world.
Renowned for their recent wet victory against the Hurricanes, the Gallagher Chiefs are fueled with determination as they prepare to take on the Brumbies. Head coach Clayton McMillan recognizes the tough challenge that lies ahead, acknowledging the Brumbies’ ability to dominate the game on their home turf. With their tactical kicking game and powerful maul, the Brumbies possess formidable weapons that demand respect.
McMillan has meticulously selected a well-rounded team, introducing a couple of fresh faces to an already solid lineup. Although the absence of Tupou Vaa’i and Anton Lienert-Brown due to their All Blacks rest weeks creates a void, it opens up opportunities for other talented individuals to shine. Laghlan McWhannell, a 24-year-old lock returning from injury, will make his season debut in the starting 15, while Josh Ioane takes on the esteemed No. 10 position.
The change in the No. 10 jersey sees the Chiefs’ top point-scorer, Damian McKenzie, moving to the fullback position, adding his dynamic presence to the backline. Shaun Stevenson, the current leading try-scorer, will inject impact off the bench. The formidable front-row trio of Aidan Ross, Samisoni Taukei’aho, and George Dyer have once again been named starters, with Brodie Retallick joining McWhannell in the lock position.
The Chiefs’ loose forwards, including the indomitable All Blacks Sam Cane and Pita Gus Sowakula, supported by the impressive Luke Jacobson in the No. 8 jersey, will be a force to be reckoned with. The electrifying Samipeni Finau will bring his energy to the game from the bench. Meanwhile, Brad Weber retains his position as the starting halfback, providing the team with stability, and Cortez Ratima adds impact as a reserve.
On the wings, the dynamic duo of Etene Nanai-Seturo and Emoni Narawa will add pace and flair, complemented by the midfield partnership of Alex Nankivell and Rameka Poihipi. Notably, Daniel Rona, who recently secured a full-time contract with the Gallagher Chiefs, has been named as a midfield reserve, ready to make his mark.
While the Chiefs are primed for the showdown, the Brumbies face their own set of challenges. A weakened squad’s unfortunate trip to Perth in the previous week backfired, resulting in a loss to an underdog opponent. This defeat not only jeopardized their potential home semi-final but also saw them drop to third place in the standings, setting the stage for this crucial encounter against the minor-premiers elect.
The Brumbies aim to bounce back from their recent defeat, where they showed resilience in coming back from a 12-point deficit at halftime against the Western Force. However, their second-half performance was poor eventually losing.
CHIEFS. Aidan Ross, Samisoni Taukei’aho, George Dyer, Brodie Retallick, Laghlan McWhannell Pita Gus Sowakula, Sam Cane, Luke Jacobson, Brad Weber, Josh Ioane, Etene Nanai-Seturo, Rameka Poihipi, Alex Nankivell, Emoni Narawa, Damian McKenzie,
BENCH: 16.Bradley Slater, Ollie Norris, John Ryan, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Samipeni Finau, Cortez Ratima, Daniel Rona, Shaun Stevenson,
BRUMBIES: James Slipper, Lachlan Lonergan, Allan Alaalatoa (co-c), Nick Frost, Tom Hooper, Rob Valetini, Jahrome Brown, Pete Samu, Ryan Lonergan (co-c), Noah Lolesio, Corey Toole, Tamati Tua, Len Ikitau, Andy Muirhead, Tom Wright
BENCH: Connal McInerney, Blake Schoupp, Sefo Kautai, Darcy Swain, Luke Reimer, Klayton Thorn, Jack Debreczeni, Ollie Sapsford
PREDICTION.
The Brumbies have a decent shot at knocking over the ladder leaders from NZ. They have won three of the past four times the teams have met so they have a track record.
The Reds showed something of a blueprint in their recent upset…tackle ferociously, pressure the Chiefs constantly and limit penalties. The Brumbies are well equipped on those fronts and have a better set piece to squeeze the Kiwis as well.
The Brumbies paid the price for having to field a below-strength side in Perth last round because of forced rest policies. They have most of their artillery back for this one.
Fullback Tom Wright has signed a new Rugby Australia deal so look for him as a try scorer. I think the kiwi side will be too good here if they can adjust to the weather conditions in Canberra which will be very cold at kick off time. Probably around 0 degrees, maybe minus 0 degrees. Chiefs by 7 points.
Read this too
Comments