Late change as Chiefs star is ruled out
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: New Chiefs coach Warren Gatland suffered a setback before the season has even started.
Chiefs fullback Shaun Stevenson has been called into the team’s starting XV, in a late change to the side that will face the Blues in the season opener in Auckland on Friday.
Stevenson replaces All Black utility back and star playmaker Damian McKenzie, who has pulled up at training with a tight adductor.
Earlier Gatland named three debutants in the team for the season opener.
Bay of Plenty flyhalf Kaleb Trask and Waikato centre Quinn Tupaea have been named to start at No.10 and No.13 respectively.
Wellington lock Naitoa Ah Kuoi will be hoping to debut off the bench in the No.19 jersey.
Trask is excited for the opportunity to start for the Chiefs in their first official match of 2020.
“I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face when the team got announced and I am very excited for Friday,” he said.
“It is a dream come true to make my debut for the Gallagher Chiefs.”
Midfielder Tupaea was surprised to find out he was starting when the team was announced.
“I was excited to see my name. My family were wrapped for me and I can’t wait to get out and play on Friday.”
Locking cover Ah Kuoi is excited to reach the milestone and is looking forward to taking the field with the team.
“I’m really excited about the opportunity to debut this weekend. I’ve worked hard throughout the pre-season and to be able to run out with the boys will be a dream come true. I was stoked when I heard my name called out but also really excited. It’s a huge milestone in my career and I can’t wait to share it with my family.”
Chiefs – revised: 15 Shaun Stevenson, 14 Sean Wainui, 13 Quinn Tupaea, 12 Alex Nankivell, 11 Solomon Alaimalo, 10 Kaleb Trask, 9 Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, 8 Sam Cane, 7 Mitchell Karpik, 6 Lachlan Boshier, 5 Mitchell Brown, 4 Tyler Ardron, 3 Nepo Laulala, 2 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 1 Aidan Ross.
Replacements: 16 Bradley Slater, 17 Atu Moli, 18 Angus Ta’avao, 19 Naitoa Ah Kuoi, 20 Pita Gus Sowakula, 21 Brad Weber, 22 Aaron Cruden, 23 Anton Lienert-Brown.
Date: Friday, January 31
Venue: Eden Park, Auckland
Kick-off: 19.05 (06.05 GMT)
Referee: Angus Gardner (Australia)
Assistant referees: Paul Williams (New Zealand), Dan Waenga (New Zealand)
TMO: Aaron Paterson (New Zealand)
