Two All Blacks in, one out for Chiefs as CEO offers 'smuggling' reward in Christchurch

The Chiefs will be without star playmaker Damian McKenzie for their penultimate round of the 2026 round-robin, which sees them fly to Christchurch to tackle a growing Crusaders side at an already sold-out One New Zealand Stadium.

McKenzie left the field in the 68th minute of last week’s 42-12 win over the Highlanders after suffering a concussion, and is now being monitored without a stated return-to-play timeline.

The All Black’s absence ensures another start at 10 for Josh Jacomb and another start at fullback for Super Rugby rookie Isaac Hutchinson, who moved north from Christchurch to join the Chiefs ahead of this season. Tepaea Cook-Savage comes onto the bench to provide 10/15 cover.

The other changes to Jono Gibbes’ gameday squad include the return of Josh Lord at lock and Quinn Tupaea at second-five. Samipeni Finau has joined the starting XV on the blindside flank, pushing Simon Parker to the bench, and Cortez Ratima and Xavier Roe have also switched roles, with the former now starting.

“It’s great to have such a stable side to pick at this time of the season,” says Gibbes. “Especially for a game as big as playing the Crusaders at their new stadium. The energy around the place is building towards challenging the Crusaders in front of a full house.

“They are a tough nut to crack. They are uncompromising and always very physical, and it will be a big occasion down there that we are looking forward to.”

Meanwhile at Chiefs HQ, club CEO Simon Graafhuis has offered rewards for any Chiefs fans able to “smuggle” their infamous cowbells into the new One New Zealand Stadium. The Crusaders controversially banned the cowbells from entering stadium grounds at the 2025 Super Rugby final, claiming the old Apollo Projects Stadium didn’t have room for the cowbells to be safely waved around in a sea of fans.

“We want to see your most creative smuggling efforts,” Graafhuis said. “Hidden in jackets, disguised as emotional support equipment, packed in children’s lunchboxes.

“Take a photo prior, tag Chiefs, Crusaders, Super Rugby Pacific and myself and I’ll find a unique prize for your efforts.

“Bonus points if your cowbell ends up in the hands of Crusaders CEO Colin Mansbridge – and even better if you get him to ring it.”

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins

3

Draws

0

Wins

2

Average Points scored

28

31

First try wins

40%

Home team wins

60%

Chiefs team to play the Crusaders

1. Ollie Norris
2. Samisoni Taukei’aho
3. Sione Ahio
4. Josh Lord
5. Tupou Vaa’i (vc)
6. Samipeni Finau
7. Luke Jacobson (c)
8. Wallace Sititi
9. Cortez Ratima
10. Josh Jacomb
11. Kyren Taumoefolau
12. Quinn Tupaea (vc)
13. Kyle Brown
14. Liam Coombes-Fabling
15. Isaac Hutchinson

Reserves

16. Brodie McAlister
17. Jared Proffit
18. George Dyer
19. Seuseu Naitoa Ah Kuoi
20. Simon Parker
21. Xavier Roe
22. Tepaea Cook-Savage
23. Daniel Rona

Injury list

Lalakai Foketi – Calf – TBC
Damian McKenzie – Concussion – TBC
Reuben O’Neill – Concussion – Round 16
Emoni Narawa – Foot – Round 16-QF
Leroy Carter – Hamstring – QF
Etene Nanai-Seturo – Foot – Round 16-QF
Jayden Sa – Shoulder – Season