'Consistent' Chiefs ready for rematch
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Chiefs are ready to fire again this Friday, when they take the field against the Hurricanes the Super Rugby quarterfinal.
The two teams faced off against each other in a tense and thrilling New Zealand derby last weekend – where the Chiefs proved too strong, winning 28-24.
It was mainly thanks to a dominant first half, which saw them run rampant against the Hurricanes defence – leading 21-0 at the break.
The team is boosted with returns to key players.
In the forwards, Karl Tu’inukuafe and Nathan Harris are back in the front row and notably Sam Cane will start at openside flank.
In the backs, Damian McKenzie comes back at flyhalf, with Charlie Ngatai starting at No.12 and Sean Wainui slotting back onto right wing.
Chiefs coach Colin Cooper said he is pleased with the consistency throughout the team selected for Friday’s clash
“We’ve put out a consistent team,” Cooper said.
“Damian coming back brings a lot of X-Factor into our game. We’re excited to see the combinations Damian, Charlie and Anton will bring as well as the leadership Sam Cane displays every time he takes the field.”
The winner of this quarterfinal will play the winner of the Crusaders versus Sharks quarterfinal – which will be played on Saturday.
If the Crusaders win their quarterfinal, the winner of Friday’s clash will travel to Christchurch for the semifinal.
However, if the Sharks win, Friday’s winner will host the Durban based team next weekend at home.
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Chiefs: 15 Solomon Alaimalo, 14 Sean Wainui, 13 Anton Lienert-Brown, 12 Charlie Ngatai, 11 Shaun Stevenson, 10 Damian McKenzie, 9 Brad Weber, 8 Liam Messam, 7 Sam Cane, 6 Lachlan Boshier, 5 Michael Allardice, 4 Brodie Retallick, 3 Angus Ta’avao, 2 Nathan Harris, 1 Karl Tu’inukuafe.
Replacement: 16 Liam Polwart, 17 Sam Prattley, 18 Jeff Thwaites, 19 Jesse Parete, 20 Mitch Karpik, 21 Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, 22 Marty McKenzie, 23 Alex Nankivell.
Date: Friday, July 20′
Venue: Westpac Stadium, Wellington
Kick-off: 19.35 (07.35 GMT)
Referee: Glen Jackson (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Nick Briant (New Zealand), Paul Williams (New Zealand)
TMO: Glenn Newman (New Zealand)
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