Following a bonus point victory over Moana Pacific at Mt Smart Stadium, the Gallagher Chiefs team was named to host the Crusaders in front of a home crowd at FMG Stadium Waikato this Saturday.
Starting at 7:05 p.m., the match is the first opportunity for full crowds to attend a home game at FMG Stadium Waikato since May 22 last year, where the Gallagher Chiefs defeated the Brumbies 40-19. Following today’s government announcement, it has been confirmed that tickets for the highly anticipated rivalry clash will go on sale at 9 a.m. tomorrow, Thursday, March 24th.
Gallagher Chiefs head coach Clayton McMillan called his side to come out in front of the home crowd to confront the Crusaders.
In the forward pack, Samisoni Taukei’aho returns to start on Hooker in an otherwise unchanged first row. Josh Lord returns to get a start in jersey number 4 alongside form Brodie Retallick.
Changes in the loose forwards include the return of co-captain Sam Cane to start at Openside Flanker and Waikato’s Samipeni Finau at number 8, who will get his first start of the season.
In the back line, Quinn Tupaea moved to a starting position in the second five-eighth next to Alex Nankivell in the center. Changes for the third three include the elusive Etene Nanai-Seturo on the left and Shaun Stevenson returning to start again against the Crusaders on the right.
The bench is stacked with youth and experience. Aidan Ross returns to the side to possibly play his 50th game for the Gallagher Chiefs in jersey 17. Angus Ta’avao also returns as a replacement at the front row in jersey 18, in line to play his 100th match for New Zealand based Super Rugby teams. Naitoa Ah Kuoi and Kaylum Boshier return to the side in jerseys 19 and 20, respectively, while Mitch Jacobson looks at jersey 21 for the first time this season to complete the forward pack replacement. Cortez Ratima will return as a half-back cover and Josh Ioane will take his place in the back substitute to finish game day twenty-three.
Gallagher Chiefs head coach Clayton McMillan said there was excitement across the entire squad and club to come out in front of a tough home crowd.
“The whole squad and the club are really excited to play in front of a home crowd because it’s been a long time coming. We know our passionate fans, members and sponsors are looking forward to coming back to FMG Stadium Waikato and we will do our best what we can do to put a performance on which they can be proud against a quality Crusaders side. ”said McMillan.
McMillan has recognized the two key milestones that could be reached this weekend by two very talented front-runners.
“Both Aidan and Angus are exceptional contributors both on and off the field to our team. We look forward to celebrating their significant milestone this weekend and know that it will be especially special for their friends and whānau. Finished McMillan.
Gallagher Chiefs vs Crusaders start at 19.05 from FMG Stadium Waikato and tickets are available for the general public starting tomorrow morning at 9am on www.chiefs.co.nz.
Gallagher Chiefs vs. Crusaders
1. Ollie Norris
2. Samisoni Taukei’aho
Sione Mafileo
4. Josh Here
5. Brodie Retallick
6. Tupou Vaa’i
7. Sam Can (cc)
8. Semipeni Finau
Brad Weber (cc)
10. Bryn Gatland
11. Ethene Nanai-Seturo
12. Quinn Tuapea
13. Alex Nankvell
14. Shaun Stevenson
15. Caleb Trask
Reserve:
16. Tyrone Thompson
17. Aidan Ross (50th Match)
18. Angus Ta’avao (100th NZ Super Rugby Match)
19. Naitoa Ah Kuoi
20. Kaylum Boshier
21. Mitch Jacobson
22. Cortez Ratima
23. Josh Ioane
Not available for selection:
Luke Jacobson, Reuben O’Neill, Gideon Wrampling, Simon Parker, Anton Lienert-Brown, Xavier Roe, Emoni Narawa, Solomone Tukuafu, Laghlan McWhannell, Mitch Brown, Bradley Slater, Pita Gus Sowakula, Chase Tiatia.
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