Two debutants named as Tupou Vaa'i returns for Chiefs against Drua

The Chiefs have named one of Christchurch’s own to debut in his hometown against the Drua during Super Round this week.

Making his Super Rugby Pacific debut with a starting nod at fullback will be Isaac Hutchinson, who came through the ranks in the Crusaders academy and was a standout performer for the New Zealand U20 team in 2024. The St Bede’s College product has been unavailable thus far in the season while recovering from a knee injury.

The 22-year-old’s debut isn’t the only one for the Chiefs this week, with Michael Loft set to add to the six caps he picked up for the Highlanders last year by running out for his hometown team for the first time.

“Isaac’s return is exciting,” said  Chiefs Head Coach Jono Gibbes, who coached Hutchinson in the New Zealand U20 camp. “He’s had a long time out of the game and has shown tremendous perseverance with his rehab and a lot of patience.  It is great that he will get his chance now.

“It’s also good that we have so much depth in our squad to be able to bring in Michael from the wider training group.  We are definitely being challenged in the loose forwards.”

Luke Jacobson, Samipeni Finau and Kaylum Boshier are all ruled out for the round 11 contest. The good news on the injury front for Chiefs fans is that Tupou Vaa’i has returned after picking up a concussion against Moana Pasifika in round 9. The lock takes Jacobson’s place as captain for Sunday’s match.

Elsewhere in the team, Quinn Tupaea shifts back to No.12, Samisoni Taukai’aho has been rested, Daniel Sinkinson steps into the Chiefs’ starting team for the first time, and Wallace Sititi makes his first start of the season.

Team Form

Last 5 Games

22 - 17

17 - 62

42 - 14

14 - 24

33 - 24

28 - 33

24 - 22

69 - 26

40 - 15

6 - 21

4

Wins

2

4

Streak

2

25

Tries Scored

14

79

Points Difference

-76

3/5

First Try

0/5

3/5

First Points

1/5

4/5

Race To 10 Points

2/5

Chiefs team to play the Drua

1. Jared Profitt
2. Brodie McAlister
3. George Dyer
4. Josh Lord
5. Tupou Vaa’i (c)
6. Simon Parker
7. Jahrome Brown
8. Wallace Sititi
9. Cortez Ratima
10. Damian McKenzie
11. Daniel Sinkinson
12. Quinn Tupaea (vc)
13. Kyle Brown
14. Leroy Carter
15. Isaac Hutchinson*

Reserves

16. Tyrone Thompson
17. Ollie Norris
18. Benét Kumeroa
19. Seuseu Naitoa Ah Kuoi
20. Michael Loft*
21. Xavier Roe
22. Tepaea Cook-Savage
23. Lalakai Foketi

Injury list

Luke Jacobson – unavailable
Kaylum Boshier – Concussion – Round 13
Sione Ahio – Quad – Round 13
Samipeni Finau – Quad – Round 13-15
Daniel Rona – Hamstring –  Round 14
Emoni Narawa – Foot – Rou 16-QF
Etene Nanai-Seturo – Foot – Round 16-QFJ
Jayden Sa – Shoulder – Season