Super Rugby: Chiefs welcome back All Blacks for Waratahs clash

  • 24/05/2018
Damian McKenzie replaces his brother, Marty at first-five for the Chiefs.
Damian McKenzie replaces his brother, Marty at first-five for the Chiefs. Photo credit: Photosport

The Chiefs have been bolstered by the return of their All Blacks for their clash against the Waratahs in Hamilton on Saturday (NZT).

Coach Colin Cooper has made several changes from the side that went down to Sharks last week with Brodie Retallick, Nathan Harris, Damian McKenzie and Anton Lienert-Brown all named to start.

Veteran Liam Messam has shifted to number eight, while exciting flanker Mitch Karpik gets a run in the number seven jersey.

Solomon Alaimalo returns to the fullback position and captain Charlie Ngatai slots in at second-five, partnering Lienert-Brown in a rejuvenated midfield.

Toni Pulu also comes into the run on side as the only other change in the backline.

Cooper said the the team are doing a lot of work and planning on how to nullify the Waratahs attack.

"The team have travelled back from South Africa well, and brought five points back, which we are pretty happy about. Now it’s about getting ready for a tough Waratahs match.

"They have really shown against New Zealand opposition what their attack can do, so we are doing a lot of work defensively to stop the Waratahs and their attack play.

“Recovery is key. We felt there were some inaccuracies in our attack flow in our previous game and we will look to execute better this weekend.”

Newest All Blacks recruits Karl Tu’inukuafe and Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi both feature in the match-day squad, with Karl starting at loosehead and Te Toiroa on the bench. Cooper commented on their determination to take all opportunities offered this season.

“Karl and Te Toiroa are two guys that have put their hands up and have got opportunities through injuries and their form, and they’re now All Blacks. They’ve done really well.” 

CHIEFS: Solomon Alaimalo, Toni Pulu, Anton Lienert-Brown, Charlie Ngatai (c), Sean Wainui, Damian McKenzie, Brad Weber, Liam Messam, Mitch Karpik, Luke Jacobson, Michael Allardice, Brodie Retallick, Angus Ta'avao, Nathan Harris, Karl Tu'inukuafe. 

Reserves: Samisoni Taukei'aho, Sam Prattley, Jeff Thwaites, Jesse Parete, Matt Matich, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Marty McKenzie, Shaun Stevenson.

Join us for live updates of the Chiefs vs Waratahs from 7:30pm on Saturday.

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