Super Rugby 2019: Chiefs rally troops for do-or-die clash with Rebels

  • 12/06/2019

The Chiefs have named their strongest possible line-up for their must-win match against the Rebels in Melbourne on Friday.

The Hamilton-based side need a bonus point win to all but guarantee a spot in the Super Rugby playoffs.

As confirmed earlier in the week, All Blacks lock Brodie Retallick will return from his lengthy injury absence to add plenty of power and starch to the forwards in one of three changes to the starting side that beat the Crusaders in Fiji.

In the pack, Angus Ta'avao starts at tighthead prop with Nepo Laulala primed to make an impact off the bench, while Nathan Harris returns refreshed from All Blacks leave to reclaim the starting hooker role.

Joining Laulala on the reserves bench is explosive hooker Samisoni Taukei'aho and versatile loose forward Jesse Parete.

The Rebels will welcome back Wallabies stars Kurtley Beale and Will Genia, as they look to bunce back from their 66-0 demolition at the hands of the Crusaders.

Chiefs: 1-Atu Moli, 2- Nathan Harris, 3- Angus Ta'avao, 4-Brodie Retallick, 5- Tyler Ardron, 6- Lachlan Boshier, 7- Sam Cane, 8- Pita Gus Sowakula, 9-Brad Weber, 10- Jack Debreczeni, 11- Sean Wainui, 12- Alex Nankivell, 13- Anton Lienert-Brown, 14- Shaun Stevenson, 15-Solomon Alaimalo

Reserves: 16- Samisoni Taukei’aho 17- Aidan Ross, 18- Nepo Laulala, 19- Jesse Parete, 20- Mitchell Jacobson, 21-Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, 22- Marty McKenzie, 23- Tumua Manu

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