Chiefs to test their depth in Brisbane
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Chiefs head coach Colin Cooper unveiled a 27-man travelling squad for his team’s pre-season encounter against the Reds at Ballymore Stadium on Friday.
Cooper’s team features a number of fresh faces and it will be the final opportunity for some of his players to put their hands up for selection ahead of their first Super Rugby game of the season on Friday, February 15 against the Highlanders at FMG Stadium Waikato.
While there are a few new faces, there are also a few regulars in the form of Lachlan Boshier, Mitchell Brown, Tyler Ardron and Michael Allardice (captain).
In the backline, All Black Brad Weber will start in the No.9 jersey with new recruit Jack Debreczeni at flyhalf.
Both teams will be able to utilise rolling subs for their final pre-season fixture.
Chiefs: 15 Shaun Stevenson, 14 Malo Tuitama, 13 Bailyn Sullivan, 12 Alex Nankivell, 11 Etene Nanai-Seturo, 10 Jack Debreczeni, 9 Brad Weber, 8 Taleni Seu, 7 Lachlan Boshier, 6 Mitchell Brown, 5 Tyler Ardron, 4 Michael Allardice (captain), 3 Jeff Thwaites, 2 Samisoni Taukeiaho, 1 Atu Moli.
Replacements – from: Sekope Moli, Aidan Ross, Tevita Mafileo, Laghlan McWhannell, Jesse Parete, Jack Stratton, Tyler Campbell, Orbyn Leger, Sosefo Kautai, Mitchell Jacobson, Pita Gus Sowakula, Quinn Tupaea.
Date: Friday, February 8
Venue: Ballymore Stadium, Brisbane
Kick-off: 19.00 (22.00 NZ time; 09.00 GMT)
Referee: Nicholas Berry
Assistant referees: Jordan Way, Aaron Pook
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