Chiefs move Damian McKenzie to fullback, rest Quinn Tupaea against Highlanders

Chiefs head coach Jono Gibbes has handed young playmaker Josh Jacomb another starting opportunity at No.10, sending Damian McKenzie back to fullback for this weekend’s matchup with the Highlanders.

The move also sees impressive rookie Isaac Hutchinson shift to the bench for the first time in his young Super Rugby career, while Quinn Tupaea has been given the week off.

It will instead be nine-cap Wallaby Lalakai Foketi who starts at inside centre for the first time in his brief Chiefs career, partnered by Kyle Brown at centre. Daniel Rona returns to the matchday 23 for the first time since round 6, taking his place on the bench.

In the forward pack, Josh Lord has been ruled out with a concussion, making room for Seuseu Naitoa Ah Kuoi to start alongside Tupou Vaa’i at lock.

The final change from last week’s 10-point win over the Reds sees wingers Liam Coombes-Fabling and Kyren Taumoefolau switch sides.

“Josh and Damian have developed an effective combination that allows us to challenge opposition defences by utilising two playmakers on the field at the same time,” Gibbes said of his selections.

“It will be important this week against a very combative Highlanders defence that we can shift the point of attack quickly and effectively. We had a tough battle against them in round two and are preparing for more of the same this week at home.”

Team Form

Last 5 Games

60 - 5

49 - 12

46 - 24

59 - 34

36 - 32

45 - 28

42 - 12

31 - 26

24 - 14

27 - 17

3

Wins

2

1

Streak

2

27

Tries Scored

15

25

Points Difference

-42

2/5

First Try

3/5

3/5

First Points

3/5

3/5

Race To 10 Points

1/5

Chiefs team to play the Highlanders

1. Ollie Norris
2. Samisoni Taukei’aho
3. Sione Ahio
4. Seuseu Naitoa Ah Kuoi
5. Tupou Vaa’i (vc)
6. Simon Parker
7. Luke Jacobson (c)
8. Wallace Sititi
9. Xavier Roe
10. Josh Jacomb
11. Kyren Taumoefolau
12. Lalakai Foketi
13. Kyle Brown
14. Liam Coombes-Fabling
15. Damian McKenzie

Reserves

16. Brodie McAlister
17. Benét Kumeroa
18. George Dyer
19. Fiti Sa
20. Samipeni Finau
21. Cortez Ratima
22. Daniel Rona
23. Isaac Hutchinson

Injury list

Jared Proffit – Concussion – Round 15
Josh Lord – Concussion – Round 15
Reuben O’Neill – Concussion – Round 15-16
Emoni Narawa – Foot – Round 16-QF
Leroy Carter – Hamstring – QF
Etene Nanai-Seturo – Foot – Round 16-QF
Jayden Sa – Shoulder – Season