'Top draw tonight': Jono Gibbes on All Black's return to form

It’s been far from an ideal start to the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific campaign for All Black loose-forward Samipeni Finau, who’s been stuck behind some quality loose-forwards at the Chiefs.

But in the Chiefs’ 42-14 victory over the Waratahs in Hamilton on Saturday night, the No.6 put up a strong showing on both sides of the ball.

Finau has been in and out of the starting lineup throughout the 2026 campaign under Jono Gibbes, but was given another opportunity against the Waratahs to remind the public of what he’s capable of.

One of those tackles was a dominant and powerful shot on Siosifa Amone, highlighting how physical Finau can be when his timing is on point.

“Yeah I think that was an area that we we learned in Australia we weren’t happy with our breakdown area, our carry, and our clean,” Gibbes said.

“We didn’t get the quick ball that we wanted to those two weeks. So we looked to address that and then obviously, with our loose forwards that we do have in the squad, we rotate the combinations regularly enough.

“But it was perfect timing, and Samipeni was top draw tonight.”

The Chiefs head coach explains that one of the main reasons why their loose-forward group is changing, is to do with trying to keep their shoulders fresh.

“Well, if we look at the loose forwards in particular, we probably talk a lot about energy, the physicality that’s needed to drive the team through the middle of the field and between the 15 meters and the loose forwards.

“Our loose forwards are at the heart of that. So how we use their battery up and keep them fresh and rotate through so that whoever’s on there, they’ve got fresh shoulders.”

Former World Cup-winning All Black first-five Stephen Donald was impressed with Finau’s physicality defensively.

“Oh, here’s some of his lines with ball in hand. This was him out the back, being a ball playing number 10, and the ability to put the kick in. But it was his physicality that really stood out tonight,” Donald explained on the Sky Sport broadcast.

For Finau, the convincing win was pleasing after two weeks on the road in Australia.

“Yeah, still trying to catch my breath but yeah feeling good, I try and stick to the system as much as I can. But, yeah, I don’t know, I just play footy, I’d say,” the All Black loose forward told Sky Sport.

“Feels good to be back home, especially being away for two weeks. So yeah, the boys were excited for this week.”