Chiefs missing handful of All Blacks for Auckland season-opener

The Chiefs will roll out four new faces in their 2026 season opener against the Blues in Auckland, with just half of the club’s All Blacks named in the matchday 23.

While Brodie McAlister is listed on the Chiefs’ injury report with a broken thumb, the remaining absent All Blacks can only be seen as still recharging after their extended offseason breaks. Still, five All Blacks will take the field in the starting XV for the Hamilton-based outfit, with another two on the bench.

Samisoni Taukei’aho will start at hooker, joined in the front row by Jared Proffit and George Dyer. It’s an All Blacks-heavy second row with Josh Lord and Tupou Vaa’i looking to build on their impressive 2025 seasons, respectively. The back row has captain Luke Jacobson leading the charge alongside Kaylum Boshier and Jahrome Brown.

In the backline, Xavier Roe starts inside Josh Jacomb in the halves, feeding a midfield of Quinn Tupaea and Daniel Rona. Kyen Taumoefolau is set for his Chiefs debut on the right wing, with Liam Coombes-Fabling on the right and Etene Nanai-Seturo at fullback.

Tyrone Thompson returns from a brief stint in the NRL with a spot on the bench, alongside new cap Benet Kumeroa and Reuben O’Neill. Naitoa Ah Kuoi offers bench impact in the second row, while All Blacks Samipeni Finau and Cortez Ratima offer international class off the pine. The reserve unit is completed by a couple more debutants, Tepaea Cook-Savage and Kyle Brown.

There’s no Ollie Norris, Wallace Sititi, Simon Parker, Damian McKenzie or Leroy Carter, but new head coach Jono Gibbes said the team were excited to officially add four new names to the Chiefs fraternity.

“When the team was announced, there was a big roar for the debutants, and there’s a recognition that it is a special time for them,” Gibbes said.

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins

2

Draws

0

Wins

3

Average Points scored

24

21

First try wins

60%

Home team wins

40%

Chiefs team to play the Blues

1. Jared Proffit
2. Samisoni Taukei’aho
3. George Dyer
4. Josh Lord
5. Tupou Vaa’i (vc)
6. Kaylum Boshier
7. Jahrome Brown
8. Luke Jacobson (c)
9. Xavier Roe
10. Josh Jacomb
11. Liam Coombes-Fabling
12. Quinn Tupaea (vc)
13. Daniel Rona
14. Kyren Taumoefolau *
15. Etene Nanai-Seturo

16. Tyrone Thompson
17. Benet Kumeroa *
18. Reuben O’Neill
19. Seuseu Naitoa Ah Kuoi
20. Samipeni Finau
21. Cortez Ratima
22. Tepaea Cook-Savage *
23. Kyle Brown *

Injured players

Brodie McAlister, broken hand, expected back by round four.
Lalakai Foketi, knee injury, expected back by round three.
Sione Ahio, minor ankle sprain.
Issac Hutchinson, knee injury. Expected back by round eight.