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Chiefs name ‘relatively unchanged’ side for sold-out final
The Chiefs “have named a relatively unchanged line-up” for their highly anticipated Super Rugby Pacific final against the champion Crusaders on Saturday evening.
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Looking to end the Crusaders’ unrivalled dynasty of six Super Rugby titles in as many years – which would extend to seven – coach Clayton McMillan has named a formidable side.
Co-captain Sam Cane will join legendary flanker Liam Messam as the only two players in Chiefs history to play 150 games for the proud Hamilton-based franchise.
Cane will lead the team out onto FMG Stadium along with veteran halfback Brad Weber. Weber is preparing to play his final match for the Chiefs are signing for Stade Francais in France.
The Chiefs have only made one change to their starting side, with All Black Pita Gus Sowakula coming into the starting side for Samipeni Finau.
Coach Clayton McMillan believes the minor premiers are ready to “deal with whatever comes our way” in Saturday’s decider.
“We are fortunate to have named a relatively unchanged line-up from last week for this week’s final,” McMillan said in a statement.
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“Being put under pressure over the last few weeks has given us real belief we can deal with whatever comes our way on the weekend.
“The Crusaders are clearly a quality side who will come here well prepared, with a lot of belief, and a legacy of turning up on the big stage. We respect that – there’s no point denying it, but we aren’t daunted by the task at hand either.”
This year’s Super Rugby Pacific final between the Chiefs and Crusaders is set to get underway at 7.05pm NZST on Saturday at Hamilton’s FMG Stadium.
Chiefs team to take on Crusaders
- Aidan Ross
- Samisoni Taukei’aho
- George Dyer
- Brodie Retallick
- Tupou Vaa’i
- Pita Gus Sowakula
- Sam Cane (cc)
- Luke Jacobson
- Brad Weber (cc)
- Damian McKenzie
- Etene Nanai-Seturo
- Anton Lienert-Brown
- Alex Nankivell
- Emoni Narawa
- Shaun Stevenson
Replacements:
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16. Tyrone Thompson
17. Ollie Norris
18. John Ryan
19. Naitoa Ah Kuoi
20 Samipeni Finau
21. Cortez Ratima
22. Josh Ioane
23. Rameka Poihipi
Players not considered due to injury: Angus Ta’avao, Quinn Tupaea, Xavier Roe, Bryn Gatland, Laghlan McWhannell, Lalomilo Lalomilo
Comments on RugbyPass
Now if they could just fire the Crusaders ground PA guy who likes to play his dance music and just loves the sound of his own voice the entire game, even when play is going on. And I thought their brass band thing of a few years ago was bad.
5 Go to commentsUnfortunately when you lose by far the two form players this season in Roigard and Aumua, you're left replacing two game changing Tanks with a couple of pea-shooters. Which is also about the speed of TJs pass.
2 Go to commentsBit rich coming from the guy with zero loyalty to anyone or any team, including happily taking a players place in a league world cup squad because well, SBW wanted to play in it and thus an already named player got told he was no longer going. And airing stuff like this, which may or may not be true, doesn't exactly say you're a stand up guy either SBW. Just looking to keep his name in lights as usual.
37 Go to commentsTamati Tua. …the Taniwha NPC midfielder. Ollie Sapsford, Hawkes Bay NPC midfielder…doing well
2 Go to commentsFiji deserve to be in the rugby championship, fans love seeing the Fijian national team play, the Fijian Drua is a wonderful idea but the players can still be stolen to play for NZ and AUS…
1 Go to commentsThe first concern for this afternoon are wheather forecast…
1 Go to commentsWhy cant I watch Rugby games please?
1 Go to commentsBeautiful shot from Finau, end of story. Gutted for Shaun Stevenson though.
4 Go to commentsThe Chiefs definitely didn’t win ugly. They had the superior scrum, a dominant lineout, and their defence was excellent once the Waratahs scored their two tries (thanks to some lucky refereeing calls mind you). They put pressure on the Waratahs lineout throughout the game, and the mind boggles as to why the referee did not award a yellow card or a penalty try against the Waratahs for repeated scrum infringements on their own try line before Narawa’s first try. And the Chiefs were slick with their passing and running angles on attack. It was a dominant performance all round, even with many questionable refereeing decisions.
1 Go to commentsWasnt late. Ref 2 assistants andTMO all saw it so who are you to say it was?
4 Go to commentsAre the Brumbies playing the Blues twice in a row?
4 Go to commentsBig difference from the Saders. Forwards really muscled up and laid a solid platform. Scooter brought some steel and I liked the loosie combination. Newell has been rather disappointing this season but stepped up big time - happy also to see Franks dot down. He should do that more often! Reihana had a good game and there seems to be more flair and invention with him in the saddle. McNicoll plays well from the back and is reliable plus inventive when he joins the line. Keep it up chaps!
5 Go to comments🤦♂️🤣 who cares who’s the best . All I know is the All Blacks have the star coach but have few star players now …
33 Go to commentsJe suis sûr que Farrell est impatient de jouer avec Lopez et Machenaud et d’être entraîné par Collazo… 🤭
1 Go to commentsAn on field red (aka a full red) in SRP must surely carry a bigger suspension than a red card given by the bunker as that carries a 20 minute team punishment. Had Damon Murphy abdicated his responsibility as a ref and issued both Drua players a yellow, which would have been upgraded to a 20 minute red by the bunker, that would have killed Australia and New Zealand’s push for the 20 minute red to be trialled globally from July this year.
11 Go to commentsEver so often you all post a Danny Care story that isn’t the announcement that he has finally re-signed for one more, victory tour season at Quins and I’m just like, “well you fooled me again!” My absolute favorite player ever, we need to make his final year at the Stoop (and Twickers) official already. I know he supposedly snubbed France but I won’t feel better until he signs.
1 Go to commentslate hit what late hit it wasn’t at all late and can clearly see he was committed before the tackle
4 Go to commentsChristian Lio -Willies 2 try perfomance was a standout. As was captain Scott Barrett. Up front was where the boys won it.They are a great team and players. Fantastic Crusaders , you can keep going.
5 Go to commentsI don't know how the locals feel about that? I guess if you call yourselves the Worcester Wasps that might be appease. But really we need more teams in the Premiership in my view so they are not padding it out as they are at the moment. It might curtail so many players going abroad as well
5 Go to commentsNZ 😭😭😭is certainly rivaling England for best whingers cup!😭😭😭 !!!
33 Go to comments