Chiefs take no chances in team to host Moana Pasifika

The Chiefs are looking to lock in a top-seed finish to the Super Rugby Pacific regular season, but the road to doing so goes through a Moana Pasifika side who have downed each of their Kiwi counterparts this season.

The two sides met earlier this season in a contest that saw the Chiefs leading 43-7 at halftime, only for that lead to be cut to just eight as Moana ran in four unanswered tries heading into the final five minutes. A late Samisoni Taukei’aho try sealed the Chiefs’ win.

While that match saw the Chiefs field some less experienced talent, this weekend is a different story, with Clayton McMillan calling upon his stars to suit up and deliver a win, with both crucial competition points and momentum heading into the playoffs on the line.

The match will also be the Hamilton-based outfit’s final home game of the round-robin, and the club are excited to see fans one last time before the playoffs.

“Our fans are the best. They turn up rain or shine, and they back this team week in and week out. We feel their presence and passion. We owe it to them to bring the best of ourselves to what I’m sure will be a strongly contested match,” McMillan said.

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins

5

Draws

0

Wins

0

Average Points scored

60

18

First try wins

100%

Home team wins

40%

Chiefs team to play Moana Pasifika

1. Ollie Norris
2. Samisoni Taukei’aho
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. Shuan Stevenson

Reserves

16. Brodie McAlister
17. Aidan Ross
18. Reuben O’Neill
19. Josh Lord
20. Samipeni Finau
21. Xavier Roe
22. Josh Jacomb
23. Gideon Wrampling

Injury status

Etene Nanai-Seturo, Hamstring, Returning Soon
Liam Coombes-Fabling, Hamstring, Short-term
Manaaki Selby Ricket, Toe, Short-term
Kaleb Trask, Ankle, Mid-term
Anton Lienert Brown, Collarbone, Mid-term
Malachi Wrampling, Hamstring, Mid-term
Fiti Sa, Shoulder, Long-term
Rameka Poihipi, Knee, Season
Sione Ahio, Ankle, Season