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Chiefs name dangerous back three for Waratahs showdown
It may have taken until the sixteenth week of the competition but for the first time this year, the Chiefs are finally able to field what might be their most dangerous possible back three in their quarter-final showdown with the Waratahs.
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That comes courtesy of the return from injury of fleetfooted sevens exponent Etene Nanai-Seturo, who will line up in the No 11 jersey on Saturday afternoon for the first time since the Chiefs’ loss to the Brumbies in early May
A head knock suffered by Kaleb Trask in the narrow win over the Fijian Drua last weekend has handed the fullback berth to Emoni Narawa while Jonah Lowe – one of the more underrated wingers in the competition – rounds out the outside backs with a promotion from the bench.
While the three dangermen have collectively accrued 22 run-on appearances this season, not once have they all combined in a starting line-up.
Although injuries and illness have blighted the team’s season to date, it appears that things are finally coming right for coach Clayton McMillan at the perfect moment.
All in all, McMillan has made just the two personnel changes – Nanai-Seturo and Lowe – to the starting line-up from the side that defeated the Drua in the final round of the regular season.
Up front, Aidan Ross, Samisoni Taukei’aho and Angus Ta’avao will combine for the ninth time this season while All Blacks Brodie Retallick and Tupou Vaa’i will suit up in the second row. Bradley Slater, Ollie Norris, Atunaisa Moli and Naitoa Ah Kuoi will provide tight five cover with lock Josh Lord still unavailable for selection.
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In the loose forwards, Samipeni Finau and Luke Jacobson hold their spots on the flanks with Pita Gus Sowakula earning his 13th start of the year and 11th at number 8..
Brad Weber and Bryn Gatland will partner up in the halves while Quinn Tupaea holds onto the No 12 jersey and Alex Nankivell shifts into the centre role after featuring on the wing last weekend. Xavier Roe takes over from Cortez Ratima as halfback cover while Josh Ioane and Rameka Poihipi will cover the other roles in the backline from the bench.
The dangerous trio of Nanai-Seturo, Lowe and Narawa rounds out the side.
In their earlier encounter this season, the Chiefs bagged an impressive 51-27 win at Waikato Stadium with Lowe grabbing four tries on the night, and coach McMillan will no doubt be hoping for a similar performance this weekend.
The match between the Chiefs and the Waratahs kicks off from Hamilton at 4:35pm NZT on Saturday afternoon.
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Chiefs: Emoni Narawa, Jonah Lowe, Alex Nankivell, Quinn Tupaea, Etene Nanai-Seturo, Bryn Gatland, Brad Weber, Pita Gus Sowakula, Luke Jacobson, Samipeni Finau, Tupou Vaa’i, Brodie Retallick, Angus Ta’avao, Samisoni Taukei’aho, Aidan Ross. Reserves: Bradley Slater, Ollie Norris, Atunaisa Moli, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Mitch Brown, Xavier Roe, Josh Ioane, Rameka Poihipi.
Comments on RugbyPass
Quite frankly, all this is a bit pathetic. The first time Wales get the Wooden Spoon in 21 years and everyone is on the bandwagon for a ‘play-off’ game. Wales have no obligation to Georgia and no obligation to the rest of the Six Nations to play such a game. If they want Georgia in so badly then they need to include South Africa into a Northern Hemisphere competition with 2 leagues of 4 teams with the top 2 competing for the Championship. Sadly, this will end Triple Crowns and Grand Slams forever. Is this really what you want?
4 Go to commentsI think Finau to start Blackadder to come on. Poss Prokter instead of Ioane, haven't seen much from Reiko so far this year.
10 Go to commentsJoe will have had a good chat with Dave Rennie, a smart move to begin with while it’s doubtful Fast Eddie will be consulted? Plenty of Aus players hitting top form so they should go OK.
3 Go to commentsMmm. Not sure I like this article or see it as necessary.
2 Go to commentsBlackadder but no Finau! 😀 It’s Razor so you are probably right, plus Taylor at 2…
10 Go to commentsThe strongest possible AB side would actually include Aaron Smith, Bodie Retallick, Sam Whitelock, Leicester Fainga'anuku, Shannon Frizzel.. don’t get me started on the rest of the injury hit brigade that got flung on the heap so left. Many a whole not getting filled as of yet.
10 Go to commentsI don’t think anyone knows what Schmidt will do, one thing is certain it ain’t gonna be all the picks we on the keyboard will think. My impression of him is that he will be looking at who can step up and what is the best combination. He will ignore individuals as he looks for guys who can build a powerful team and not just guys who can make a flashy run or ignore the winger as they want to score themselves.
3 Go to commentsSome dumb selections there. Not Porecki Not Donaldson Not Gordon Not Lonegran - both Not Nic White - Fines instead Not Liam Wright Not Paisami Definitely not Vunivalu Other than that not bad.
3 Go to commentsI've never been convinced that Patty T is a test match all black. Otherwise I probably agree it's the best side available to beat the poms. Caveat that Codie Taylor is yet to be seen and could very likely warrant selection by June. I hope that Razor brings the young loosies, half backs and locks into the training squad and develops/ selects the best
10 Go to commentsYou doing the same thing I disliked about the example of Samisoni Taukei'aho, Nick. He’s great the way he is, you’re trying to do what modern-day coaches frustrate me doing, turning everyone into the perfect athlete. Next thing you’ll be telling me you’ll bench him until he’s hit that arbitrary marker, and can’t overtake the current guy who’s doing all his workons. He’s a young Kieran Read, through and through, plays wide and has threat, mainly (and evident in your clips) through his two hand carry and speed. Just let him work on that, or whatever he wants, and determine his own future. Play God and you risk the players going sideways, like Read did, instead of being a Toutai Kefu. I mean I was in the same camp for a while, wanting our tight five to have the size, and carry ability, as the teams they were getting beat by. Now I’m starting to believe those teams just have better skilled and practiced individuals, bigger by upwards of 5kg sometimes, sure, but more influentially they have those intrinsic skills of trust and awareness. Basically our guys just didn’t know wtf they were doing. Don’t think I’m trying to prove a point here but hasn’t Caleb Clarke been in much better form this year, or does he just ‘look’ better now that he’s not always trying to use his size?
44 Go to commentsThe pack lacks a little in height for the line out and I wouldn’t be completely convinced by some of the combinations till we see it in action.
10 Go to commentsThe side is good but lacks experience. International playing bona fides udually trumps super rugby form for good reason. And incumbents are usually stuck with. Codie Taylor should start or come off the bench. B Barrett will start at fullback. Blackadder has not earned the position, Finau has. TJs experience and competitiveness earns him a starting role, Christie or Ratima off the bench
10 Go to commentsPretty good side. Scott Barrett should be the captain. Ethan Blackadder a great choice at blindside. He is going to go from strength to strength having made a couple of starts for the Crusaders. Scott Robertson rates him highly. Perenara could start a no 9.
10 Go to commentsI question and with respect. Was enough done over the last few years to bring through new blood knowing the Whitelocks and co couldn’t last forever. There should have been more done to future proof the team. New squad new coach, he and they weren’t set up well. IMO
6 Go to commentsJacobsen will definitely be in the 23
10 Go to commentsLots of discussion points, Ben, but two glaring follies IMO: 1. Blackadder at 6. Has done nothing so far this season to justify his selection. Did you see him going backwards in contact at the weekend? Simply has not got the physical presence at 6: we need a Scott Barrett or a Finau (or wildcard Ah Kuoi), beasts who are big enough to play lock, like Frizzell. If Barret played at 6, Paddy could be joined at lock by Vai’i or one of the young giants we need to promote, like Darry or Lord (if he ever gets on the field). Blackadder best left to join the queue for 7. 2. Not even a mention for Christie? Ratima gets caught at crucial times at the back of the ruck when he hesitates on the pass. The only way he starts would be if Christie and TJ are injured.
10 Go to commentsWhat a dagg in more ways than one
6 Go to commentsRegroup come back next year but sack some of the coaching team and don't be like the ABs last minute sacking. If Crusaders don't do well ABs don't do well.
5 Go to commentsProctor Definitely inform again this year had a hell of a season last year and this year is looking even better. Still mixed feelings about Ioane tho.
4 Go to commentsDagg is still trying to get enough headlines to make himself relevant enough to get a job. The Crusaders went back to square one at all levels. Shelve this season and nail the next one.
6 Go to comments