Second-row boost for Chiefs
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Chiefs head coach Colin Cooper has revealed an exciting team for their clash against the Highlanders in Suva, Fiji.
In the forwards, Karl Tu’inukuafe starts in the front row with Liam Polwart and Angus Ta’avao after his cameos for the All Blacks in the June test series, and Canadian lock Tyler Ardron returns to the side after his concussion lay-off.
The Chiefs will be happy with Ardron’s return as Brodie Retallick is still sidelined with a pectoral muscle injury.
Impressive youngster Luke Jacobson starts in the six jersey after a highly effective game against the Crusaders, scoring two tries and putting in a dominant performance.
In the backline, Brad Weber and Damian McKenzie start in the nine and ten jerseys, and Charlie Ngatai and Anton Lienert-Brown link up again in the midfield with Sean Wainui and Toni Pulu covering the wings.
The Chiefs return to Fiji for the third consecutive year, with the Highlanders this year hosting the game at ANZ Stadium.
The last time the two teams met was at FMG Stadium Waikato in March, where the Gallagher Chiefs put in a clinical performance to win 27-22.
Chiefs: 15 Solomon Alaimalo, 14 Toni Pulu, 13 Anton Lienert-Brown, 12 Charlie Ngatai (co-captain), 11 Sean Wainui, 10 Damian McKenzie, 9 Brad Weber, 8 Liam Messam, 7 Sam Cane (co-captain), 6 Luke Jacobson, 5 Tyler Ardron, 4 Michael Allardice, 3 Angus Ta’avao, 2 Liam Polwart, 1 Karl Tu’inukuafe.
Replacements: 16 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 17 Sam Prattley, 18 Jeff Thwaites, 19 Jesse Parete, 20 Mitch Karpik, 21 Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, 22 Marty McKenzie, 23 Shaun Stevenson.
Date: Saturday, June 30
Venue: ANZ Stadium, Suva
Kick-off: 19.35 (07.35 GMT)
Referee: Paul Williams (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Jamie Nutbrown (New Zealand), James Doleman (New Zealand)
TMO: Shane McDermott (New Zealand)
