Midfield injuries see All Black wing shift to centre for Chiefs

With injuries befalling a couple of Chiefs midfielders, head coach Jono Gibbes has turned to All Black wing Leroy Carter to cover the No.13 jersey when his team face the Western Force in Perth.

The team is under a lot of pressure after last week’s capitulation to the Brumbies, and injuries to Tupou Vaa’i, Daniel Rona and Lalakai Foketi won’t make the task of restoring faith in their ability to perform under pressure any easier.

While the midfield pair have been replaced by Carter in the starting unit and Kyle Brown on the bench, the absence of Vaa’i has seen Seuseu Naitoa Ah Kuoi move into the starting team, while a potential debut awaits Fiti Sa in the reserve unit.

The 22-year-old Sa, listed at 203 cm and 125 kg, has impressed in his Taranaki career to date, offering a big presence with the ball in hand.

Another key change sees Damian McKenzie shift to fullback as Josh Jacomb comes in to play 10, with Etene Nanai-Seturo and Emoni Narawa on the wings.

Cortez Ratima and Samisoni Taukei’aho have been moved to the bench, ensuring some experience remains in the reserve unit.

“This is still a very experienced and strong side that reflects the depth we have in the squad,” Gibbes said.

“We don’t take the Force lightly, especially on their home patch, and after the loss to the Brumbies last week, it’s important we get the little things right on Saturday.”

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins

0

Draws

0

Wins

5

Average Points scored

18

46

First try wins

60%

Home team wins

60%

Chiefs team to play the Force

1. Jared Profitt
2. Brodie McAlister
3. George Dyer
4. Josh Lord
5. Seuseu Naitoa Ah Kuoi
6. Samipeni Finau
7. Luke Jacobson (c)
8. Simon Parker
9. Xavier Roe
10. Josh Jacomb
11. Etene Nanai-Seturo
12. Quinn Tupaea (vc)
13. Leroy Carter
14. Emoni Narawa
15. Damian McKenzie

Reserves

16. Samisoni Taukei’aho
17. Ollie Norris
18. Sione Ahio
19. Fiti Sa*
20. Kaylum Boshier
21. Cortez Ratima
22. Kyle Brown
23. Kyren Taumoefolau

Injury list

Tupou Vaa’i – knee – TBC
Daniel Rona – hamstring – TBC
Lalakai Foketi – hand – TBC
Wallace Sititi – Hamstring – Rd 8-10
Jayden Sa – Shoulder – TBC
Isaac Hutchinson – Knee – Rd 8
Benét Kumeroa – Ankle – Rd 12