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Chiefs bring in Kaleb Trask, one debutant, amongst slew of changes for Hurricanes match

By Online Editors
Kaleb Trask. (Photo by Jeremy Ward/Photosport)

Chiefs Head Coach Clayton McMillan has named his Gallagher Chiefs team to hunt down the Hurricanes for their first win of their Super Rugby Aotearoa campaign at Sky Stadium in Wellington on Saturday 20 March.

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McMillan has made five changes to his starting fifteen for the 7.05pm clash, while five new faces will join the bench. Hawke’s Bay’s Joe Apikotoa will be in-line to make his Sky Super Rugby debut off the bench after impressing coaches during the teams’ pre-season campaign.

Loosehead prop Aidan Ross and lock Naitoa Ah Kuoi have been promoted to the starting fifteen in the only changes to an experienced forward pack.

Bay of Plenty first five-eighth Kaleb Trask returns from injury for his first start of the 2021 Sky Super Rugby season. Waikato playmaker Quinn Tupaea and All Black Anton Lienert-Brown will combine in the midfield. Powerful outside back Jonah Lowe will return to the starting fifteen on the right wing for his second cap in the Gallagher Chiefs jersey to complete the changes in the backline.

After making his Super Rugby debut in 2016 for the Hurricanes, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi is set to play his 50th Super Rugby match off the bench at the stadium where his Super Rugby career kicked off. The Maori All Black will provide cover alongside midfielder Alex Nankivell and playmaker Chase Tiatia.

Taranaki hooker Bradley Slater retains the number 16 jersey and will be joined by front rowers Ollie Norris and debutant Apikotoa. While Simon Parker and Samipeni Finau are set to receive their second Gallagher Chiefs cap if they take the field.

McMillan said this weekend provides an opportunity for several individuals to stake their claim for their spot in the game day twenty-three.

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“We have a youthful team, and we are backing everyone to do their job. This weekend is no different, it is up to the individual to stake their claim for the jersey.”

McMillan highlighted the changes made, “We have been very happy with what Bryn has done in the last two weeks. With Kaleb returning from injury, we have given him the nod. He was impressive during the Mitre 10 Cup, so the onus is on him to put his hand up for the number 10 jersey.”

McMillan continued, “There is a need for rotation in the front row and Reuben has been carrying a big load in the last few months. Sione Mafileo has a minor back injury so we are taking a cautious approach with him and resting him this week. However, Joe made some big shifts physically and technically through the pre-season and has earnt his spot on the bench.”

McMillan commended Tahuriorangi on his impending achievement.

“Triple T has had an impressive journey to date, it’s a credible achievement to clock up 50 Super games and a fitting occasion to do so against the side that started his Super Rugby career.”

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Chiefs: Damian McKenzie, Jonah Lowe, Anton Lienert-Brown, Quinn Tupaea, Etene Nanai-Seturo, Kaleb Trask, Brad Weber, Luke Jacobson, Sam Cane, Mitchell Brown, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Tupou Vaa’i, Angus Ta’avao, Samisoni Taukei’aho, Aidan Ross. Reserves: Bradley Slater, Oliver Norris, Joe Apikotoa, Samipeni Finau, Simon Parker, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Alex Nankivell, Chase Tiatia.

– Chiefs Rugby

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Trevor 2 hours ago
Will forgotten Wallabies fit the Joe Schmidt model?

Thanks Brett.. At last a positive article on the potential of Wallaby candidates, great to read. Schmidt’s record as an international rugby coach speaks for itself, I’m somewhat confident he will turn the Wallaby’s fortunes around …. on the field. It will be up to others to steady the ship off the paddock. But is there a flaw in my optimism? We have known all along that Australia has the players to be very competitive with their international rivals. We know that because everyone keeps telling us. So why the poor results? A question that requires a definitive answer before the turn around can occur. Joe Schmidt signed on for 2 years, time to encompass the Lions tour of 2025. By all accounts he puts family first and that’s fair enough, but I would wager that his 2 year contract will be extended if the next 18 months or so shows the statement “Australia has the players” proves to be correct. The new coach does not have a lot of time to meld together an outfit that will be competitive in the Rugby Championship - it will be interesting to see what happens. It will be interesting to see what happens with Giteau law, the new Wallaby coach has already verbalised that he would to prefer to select from those who play their rugby in Australia. His first test in charge is in July just over 3 months away .. not a long time. I for one wish him well .. heaven knows Australia needs some positive vibes.

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B
Bull Shark 6 hours ago
Jake White: Are modern rugby players actually better?

Of the rugby I’ve born witness to in my lifetime - 1990 to date - I recognize great players throughout those years. But I have no doubt the game and the players are on average better today. So I doubt going back further is going to prove me wrong. The technical components of the game, set pieces, scrums, kicks, kicks at goal. And in general tactics employed are far more efficient, accurate and polished. Professional athletes that have invested countless hours on being accurate. There is one nation though that may be fairly competitive in any era - and that for me is the all blacks. And New Zealand players in general. NZ produces startling athletes who have fantastic ball skills. And then the odd phenomenon like Brooke. Lomu. Mcaw. Carter. Better than comparing players and teams across eras - I’ve often had this thought - that it would be very interesting to have a version of the game that is closer to its original form. What would the game look like today if the rules were rolled back. Not rules that promote safety obviously - but rules like: - a try being worth 1 point and conversion 2 points. Hence the term “try”. Earning a try at goals. Would we see more attacking play? - no lifting in the lineouts. - rucks and break down laws in general. They looked like wrestling matches in bygone eras. I wonder what a game applying 1995 rules would look like with modern players. It may be a daft exercise, but it would make for an interesting spectacle celebrating “purer” forms of the game that roll back the rules dramatically by a few versions. Would we come to learn that some of the rules/combinations of the rules we see today have actually made the game less attractive? I’d love to see an exhibition match like that.

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