Chiefs field an All Blacks front row for Hurricanes rematch

TEAM NAMING: Atu Moli and Nathan Harris will return for the Chiefs this weekend in their rematch with the Hurricanes.

The Chiefs will still have to fend without Brodie Retallick, however, who is on Al Blacks leave after also sitting out last week’s match with the Lions.

Moli hasn’t started a match for the Chiefs since February of last year, being sidelined due to a haematoma to his quad muscle that developed complications.

Although he has yet to play a test match for New Zealand, Moli represented the All Blacks against a French XV in 2017. He was recently called up for the All Blacks foundation day.

Moli will start at loosehead prop for the Chiefs, with Angus Ta’avao shifting to his preferred tighthead side of the scrum. Harris completes the front row.

Michael Allardice also returns from injury and resumes the captaincy from Brad Weber in Retallick’s absence. His return sees Tyler Ardron move to the back of the scrum with Taleni Seu dropping to the reserves.

Tumua Manu comes in at centre in the only change to the backs. Alex Nankivell takes a spot on the bench, alongside All Blacks Stephen Donald and Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi.

“This weekend we need to be more disciplined and alert if we are to be competitive,” coach Colin Cooper said of the the upcoming match. “We had a good tussle against the Hurricanes at home last month, we know this weekend will be no different. We need to ensure our defence systems are strong and we are quick to our feet. If we can combine that with patience and control on attack, we should be in a good space.”

The Chiefs hosted the Hurricanes in round 4 of the competition. The match ended in a stalemate at 23-all.

Chiefs: Solomon Alaimalo, Sean Wainui, Tumua Manu, Anton Lienert-Brown, Ataata Moeakiola, Marty McKenzie, Brad Weber, Tyler Ardron, Lachlan Boshier, Luke Jacobson, Mitchell Brown, Michael Allardice, Angus Ta’avao, Nathan Harris, Atu Moli. Reserves: Liam Polwart, Tevita Mafileo, Sosefo Kautai, Taleni Seu, Jesse Parete, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Stephen Donald, Alex Nankivell.