Quinn Tupaea shifts position for Hurricanes showdown

The Chiefs are set to host the ladder-leading Hurricanes in another eagerly anticipated Super Rugby Pacific derby this weekend, and there is some intriguing movement in the hosts’ matchday 23 for the occasion.

Quinn Tupaea has been shifted out one place in the backline, named to start in the No.13 jersey he adopted briefly for the All Blacks in 2025. It will be the 26-year-old’s first start at centre in Super Rugby since his rookie season. Reon Paul earns the first start of his Super Rugby career at second five-eighth.

Chiefs fans will be pleased to see Wallace Sititi return to the matchday 23, with the 23-year-old named on the bench seven weeks after his last and only match of the season to date.

The other big news for the Hamilton-based club is that captain Luke Jacobson will celebrate his 100th game in Chiefs colours, named at openside flanker for the milestone.

“Luke will join a special group of great Chiefs men on Saturday. It’s a testament to his longevity, his work ethic, and his professionalism for him to reach this milestone. He’s constantly setting and maintaining standards in our environment, and keeping everyone accountable as leaders should. It’ll be a special occasion for him and for our club,” Chiefs head coach Jono Gibbes said.

Gibbes has opted for a 6/2 bench split, with 10 All Blacks in the starting XV and two on the bench.

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins

2

Draws

0

Wins

3

Average Points scored

18

30

First try wins

60%

Home team wins

60%

Chiefs team to play the Hurricanes 

1. Ollie Norris
2. Samisoni Taukei’aho
3. George Dyer
4. Josh Lord
5. Seuseu Naitoa Ah Kuoi
6. Samipeni Finau
7. Luke Jacobson (C) (100th Match)
8. Simon Parker
9. Cortez Ratima
10. Damian McKenzie
11. Kyren Taumoefolau
12. Reon Paul
13. Quinn Tupaea (VC)
14. Leroy Carter
15. Liam Coombes-Fabling

Reserves

16. Brodie McAlister
17. Jared Proffit
18. Reuben O’Neill
19. Fiti Sa
20. Kaylum Boshier
21. Wallace Sititi
22. Xavier Roe
23. Josh Jacomb

injury list