Chiefs get huge boost as All Black first-five returns for Moana clash

After their narrow, ten-point defeat against the Crusaders last week in Hamilton, Chiefs head coach Jono Gibbes has welcomed back 74-Test All Black first-five Damian McKenzie to their starting lineup.

“I think we’ve shown already this year that we have faith in our squad, and this week is no different. We’ve got some injuries, some players have played a lot of rugby already this year, and we have some high-quality players available again,” Gibbes said.

“So it’s a very strong team for a game where we need to respond after we got a punch in the nose by the Crusaders. And we want to play well as it is our last game at home for a while with the bye and then our two weeks in Australia.”

Gallagher Chiefs v Moana Pasifika on Friday at FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton

1. Benet Kumeroa, Rangiuru

2. Samisoni Taukei’aho, Fraser Tech

3. Reuben O’Neill, New Plymouth Old Boys

4. Seuseu Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Marist St Pats

5. Tupou Vaa’i (c), New Plymouth Old Boys

6. Samipeni Finau, Hamilton Old Boys

7. Jahrome Brown, Putaruru

8. Wallace Sititi, Massey North Harbour, Auckland Marist

9. Cortez Ratima, Piopio Rugby Club

10. Damian McKenzie, Woodlands

11. Leroy Carter, Helensvale Hogs, Australia

12. Quinn Tupaea (vc), Hamilton Old Boys

13. Lalakai Foketi, Manly Marlins

14. Emoni Narawa, Tauranga Sports

15. Liam Coombes-Fabling, Fraser TechReserves

16. Tyrone Thompson, Napier Tech

17. Ollie Norris, Hautapu

18. George Dyer, Fraser Tech

19. Josh Lord, Coastal Rugby Club

20. Simon Parker, Otamatea Hawks

21. Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Whakarewarewa

22. Josh Jacomb, Inglewood United

23. Kyle Brown, Feilding Yellows

Players unavailable due to injury:

Luke Jacobson – Hip

Xavier Roe – Ankle

Brodie McAlister – Hand – Expected return Rnd 5

Isaac Hutchinson – Knee – Expected return Rnd 8 ENDS