Chiefs name strongest side of season to face Crusaders

The Chiefs’ big guns are back fit and firing in time for a top-of-the-table clash with the Crusaders in round 12.

That includes Damian McKenzie, who is back at first five-eighth for the showdown, and Wallace Sititi, who gets his first start of the season.

Sititi comes in at No. 8, shifting Luke Jacobson to the openside flank, while the in-form Simon Parker completes the loose trio on the blindside. All Black Samipeni Finau will provide cover from the bench.

The other notable change from head coach Clayton McMillan is the shift to a traditional 5-3 bench split, after preferring a forward-heavy 6-2 split option over recent rounds.

“The Crusaders are a class team, have a formidable record at home, and look back to their best. We’re really looking forward to locking horns,” head coach Clayton McMillan said.

“We got taught a lesson last week and we haven’t shied away from where our shortcomings were. The lads have trained well so we shall see if that manifests into a performance we can be proud and is good enough to beat a tough Crusaders side”.

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins

3

Draws

0

Wins

2

Average Points scored

25

32

First try wins

20%

Home team wins

60%

Chiefs team to play the Crusaders

1. Ollie Norris
2. Brodie McAlister
3. George Dyer
4. Naitoa Ah Kuoi
5. Tupou Vaa’i
6. Simon Parker
7. Luke Jacobson
8. Wallace Sititi
9. Cortez Ratima
10. Damian McKenzie
11. Leroy Carter
12. Quinn Tupaea
13. Daniel Rona
14. Emoni Narawa
15. Shaun Stevenson

Reserves

16. Samisoni Taukei’aho
17. Aidan Ross
18. Reuben O’Neil
19. Josh Lord
20. Samipeni Finau
21. Xavier Roe
22. Josh Jacomb
23. Gideon Wrampling