Jacobson and McKenzie return for Chiefs matchup against the Blues

The table-topping Gallagher Chiefs will take on a struggling Blues side this weekend at FMG Stadium Waikato. The Chiefs will look to bounce back after losing to Fiji Drua last Saturday in Lautoka.

Star All Blacks playmaker Damian McKenzie will return at first-five for Clayton McMillan’s side, replacing Josh Jacomb.

Chiefs captain Luke Jacobson comes back into the starting lineup after recovering from his facial injury sustained in round two against the Crusaders.

After returning from a short stint at the Kubota Spears in Japan, fullback Shaun Stevenson takes his spot in the No.15 jersey this weekend, shifting Emoni Narawa back to his favoured No.14 jersey.

All Blacks loose forward Samipeni Finau will bring impact off the bench in his 50th Chiefs appearance.

Cortez Ratima and Samisoni Taukei’aho both return to the bench for impact roles, while Naitoa Ah Kuoi and Simon Parker both make the starting side for this week.

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins

3

Draws

0

Wins

2

Average Points scored

21

24

First try wins

60%

Home team wins

40%

Super Rugby Pacific round five is the ‘Super Kids’ round, where both teams will wear new jerseys in Hamilton on Saturday night.

Gallagher Chiefs v Blues, Saturday March 15, 7.05pm kick-off at FMG Stadium Waikato

1. Ollie Norris
2. Brodie McAlister
3. George Dyer
4. Naitoa Ah Kuoi
5. Tupou Vaa’i
6. Simon Parker
7. Jahrome Brown
8. Luke Jacobson (c)
9. Xavier Roe
10. Damian McKenzie
11. Leroy Carter
12. Quinn Tupaea
13. Anton Lienert-Brown
14. Emoni Narawa
15. Shaun Stevenson
16. Samisoni Taukei’aho
17. Aidan Ross
18. Sione Ahio
19. Jimmy Tupou
20. Samipeni Finau (50th Gallagher Chiefs game)
21. Cortez Ratima
22. Josh Jacomb
23. Daniel Rona