Damian McKenzie back on the sidelines as Chiefs face Waratahs

Damian McKenzie has returned to the sidelines for round 8 of the Super Rugby Pacific season due to a concussion.

The first five-eighth joins Etene Nanai-Seturo as new additions to the Chiefs’ injury list, which already includes Wallace Sititi, Daniel Rona and Lalakai Foketi.

The absences across the backline mean Leroy Carter has remained in the midfield for the weekend’s showdown with the Waratahs, who are riding high after beating the Brumbies in round 7.

Josh Jacomb retains the No.10 jersey for the Chiefs as Kyren Taumoefolau returns to the starting team on the left wing and Liam Coombes-Fabling returns at fullback.

On the bench, Daniel Sinkinson is in line for a potential debut in the No.23 jersey.

“Daniel is a great reflection of how well our wider training group has contributed to our environment this season so far,” Gallagher Chiefs Head Coach Jono Gibbes said.

“He has been a consistent performer for us at training and for the University of Waikato Taua development side as well.”

In the pack, Reuben O’Neill will start in his 50th Chiefs game alongside Ollie Norris, who earns his first start of the year.

Simon Parker has been moved to the bench, with Kaylum Boshier starting at No.8.

“It’s nice to be home again, and we are looking forward to playing in front of our people at FMG Stadium Waikato on Saturday,” Gibbes said.

“We have a few out injured, which is normal in this tough competition, but the quality of the side we’re able to field shows the depth we have throughout the squad and our wider training group.”

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins

4

Draws

0

Wins

1

Average Points scored

33

20

First try wins

80%

Home team wins

60%

Chiefs team to play the Waratahs

1. Ollie Norris
2. Samisoni Taukei’aho
3. Reuben O’Neill
4. Josh Lord
5. Tupou Vaa’i (vc)
6. Samipeni Finau
7. Luke Jacobson (c)
8. Kaylum Boshier
9. Xavier Roe
10. Josh Jacomb
11. Kyren Taumoefolau
12. Quinn Tupaea (vc)
13. Leroy Carter
14. Emoni Narawa
15. Liam Coombes-Fabling

Reserves

16. Brodie McAlister
17. Jared Profitt
18. George Dyer
19. Seuseu Naitoa Ah Kuoi
20. Simon Parker
21. Cortez Ratima
22. Kyle Brown
23. Daniel Sinkinson*

Injury list

Daniel Rona – hamstring – Rd 14
Lalakai Foketi – hand – Round 11-13
Wallace Sititi – Hamstring – Rd 8-10
Benét Kumeroa – Ankle – Rd 12
Damian McKenzie – Concussion – Round 9
Etene Nanai-Seturo – Foot – Round 9
Jayden Sa – Shoulder – Season