Damian McKenzie back for Chiefs as TJ Perenara's nephew named for debut

Damian McKenzie is back at 10 for the Chiefs for the team’s round nine clash with Moana Pasifika, but it isn’t all good news on the injury front for the Waikato outfit.

Both Emoni Narawa and Etene Nanai-Seturo have been sidelined with foot injuries and are unavailable for selection this week. The pair’s respective return timelines are yet to be confirmed, and have led to some changes in the starting backline.

After starting at centre in the last two games, Leroy Carter is back on the wing this week, with rookie Kyle Brown named for his first start in the No.13 jersey. Kyren Taumoefolau has retained his spot on the left wing after two tries against the Western Force, with Liam Coombes-Fabling returning to the starting team at fullback. Player of the Year voting leader Quinn Tupaea joins Brown in the midfield, with Cortez Ratima and McKenzie making up the starting halves pairing.

Up front, Ollie Norris is looking to replicate his efforts from last week in the No.1 jersey, having overpowered his opponents from Western Australia in his first start of the season. The three-Test All Black is joined by Tyrone Thompson at hooker, who earns his first start since returning from a one-year stint in the NRL, and Reuben O’Neill at tighthead.

Seuseu Naitoa Ah Kuoi and Tupou Vaa’i make up the second row, with Josh Lord taking the week off, and the resurgent form of Samipeni Finau retains the No.6 jersey alongside Jahrome Brown and Simon Parker in the loose trio.

Luke Jacobson will lead a bench unit that includes Josh Jacomb, last week’s debutant Fiti Sa, and this week’s debutant, Reon Paul. Paul is the nephew of ex-All Blacks halfback TJ Perenara.

“It’s more about who we are able to pick than those that are being left out,” Chiefs head coach Jono Gibbes said of his selections. “Look at Fiti Sa.  We need to give him another opportunity after he played so well on debut. So the challenge is configuring a 23 that gives people opportunity, reflects the depth we have, and yet remains extremely competitive.”

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins

0

Draws

0

Wins

5

Average Points scored

18

59

First try wins

100%

Home team wins

40%

Chiefs team to play Moana Pasifika

1. Ollie Norris
2. Tyrone Thompson
3. Reuben O’Neill
4. Seuseu Naitoa Ah Kuoi
5. Tupou Vaa’i (c)
6. Samipeni Finau
7. Jahrome Brown
8. Simon Parker
9. Cortez Ratima
10. Damian McKenzie
11. Kyren Taumoefolau
12. Quinn Tupaea (vc)
13. Kyle Brown
14. Leroy Carter
15. Liam Coombes-Fabling

Reserves

16. Brodie McAlister
17. Jared Profitt
18. Sione Ahio
19. Fiti Sa
20. Luke Jacobson (vc)
21. Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi
22. Josh Jacomb
23. Reon Paul*

Injury list

Daniel Rona – hamstring – Rd 14
Lalakai Foketi – hand – Round 11-13
Wallace Sititi – Hamstring – Rd 8-10
Benét Kumeroa – Ankle – Rd 12
Etene Nanai-Seturo – Foot – TBC
Emoni Narawa – Foot – TBC
Jayden Sa – Shoulder – Season