Impressive debutant retains starting spot for Chiefs vs Reds

The Chiefs are sticking with impressive rookie Isaac Hutinson at fullback for this weekend’s clash with the Reds after the 22-year-old’s standout showing on debut during Super Round.

Jono Gibbes’ squad had a bye last weekend and surrendered their spot atop the Super Rugby Pacific table as a result, but they have a final run of four games before the playoffs to improve on the third-place seeding they currently own.

A trip to Brisbane begins that final run of games, and Hutchinson will be joined by Liam Coombes-Fabling and fellow 22-year-old Kyren Taumoefolau in the back three for the match. Inside the trio will be a starting halves duo of Xavier Roe and Damian McKenzie, while the centre pairing features Quinn Tupaea and Kyle Brown.

“That was a pretty awesome first impression,” Gibbes said of Hutchinson’s performance on debut in his hometown.

“It’s a real testament to his attitude and his outlook on life, and the support he had in Canterbury initially and now up here with the Chiefs, that he’s had a successful rehab.”

Four key injuries in the loose forwards mean Seuseu Naitoa Ah Kuoi will provide cover from the bench as Simon Parker, Luke Jacobson and Wallace Sititi start. The tight five features Ollie Norris, Tyrone Thompson, George Dyer, Josh Lord and Tupou Vaa’i.

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins

1

Draws

0

Wins

4

Average Points scored

21

33

First try wins

40%

Home team wins

80%

Chiefs team to play the Reds

1. Ollie Norris
2. Tyrone Thompson
3. George Dyer
4. Josh Lord
5. Tupou Vaa’i (vc)
6. Simon Parker
7. Luke Jacobson (c)
8. Wallace Sititi
9. Xavier Roe
10. Damian McKenzie
11. Liam Coombes-Fabling
12. Quinn Tupaea (vc)
13. Kyle Brown
14. Kyren Taumoefolau
15. Isaac Hutchinson

Reserves

16.  Samisoni Taukei’aho
17. Jared Profitt
18. Reuben O’Neill
19. Fiti Sa
20. Seuseu Naitoa Ah Kuoi
21. Cortez Ratima
22. Josh Jacomb
23. Lalakai Foketi

Injury list

Jahrome Brown – Concussion – Round 14
Kaylum Boshier – Concussion – Round 14
Michael Loft – Ankle – Round 14-15
Brodie McAlister – Calf – Round 14
Samipeni Finau – Quad – Round 14-15
Daniel Rona – Hamstring – Round 14
Emoni Narawa – Foot – Round 16 – QF
Leroy Carter – Hamstring – QF