Chiefs unveil squad for SA Tour
New face Matt Matich joins the squad for injury replacement after training with the team throughout pre-season. The flank plays for Northland in the National Provincial Cup. Sam Cane is rested for the South African tour having sustained an abdominal strain.
Jesse Parete also earns a spot on tour after an impressive debut off the bench against the Jaguares where he scored the team's only try with a powerful run through a determined Jaguares defence.
A familiar backline are on the ground in South Africa, including regulars Damian McKenzie, Anton Lienert-Brown, Sean Wainui and Charlie Ngatai.
The first game of the tour kicks off against the Stormers in Cape Town On Saturday. The following week, the Chiefs will take on the Sharks in Durban.
The Chiefs have played nine games so far this season, winning six, including impressive New Zealand derby wins against the Highlanders and Blues, as well as being beaten only three times.
At the conclusion of the South African tour, the team will play the Waratahs at FMG Stadium Waikato on Saturday, May 26, followed by a huge derby against defending champs the Crusaders the following weekend in Hamilton.
Chiefs tour squad:
Forwards: Karl Tu'inukuafe, Sam Prattley, Angus Ta'avao-Matau, Jeffrey Thwaites, Sosefo Kautai, Nathan Harris, Liam Polwart, Samisoni Taukei'aho, Brodie Retallick, Tyler Ardron, Luke Jacobson, Pita Gus Sowakula, Michael Allardice, Liam Messam, Jesse Parete, Matt Matich,
Backs: Brad Weber, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Jonathan Taumateine, Damian McKenzie, Marty McKenzie, Solomon Alaimalo, Johnny Faauli, Anton Lienert-Brown, Charlie Ngatai, Sean Wainui, Alex Nankivell, Shaun Stevenson, Toni Pulu.
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