CHIEFS (1) vs BRUMBIES (4) in Hamilton, Saturday 5.05pm kickoff AEST
The Brumbies have welcomed back speedster Corey Toole for Saturday’s semi-final against the Chiefs at FMG Stadium Waikato.
The breakout winger missed the thrilling quarter-final win over the Hurricanes with an ankle injury but has been included on the bench for the date with the minor premiers, replacing veteran Jesse Mogg.
Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham has made just one change to his starting side, with Tom Hooper replacing Jahrome Brown in a bulked up backrow.
Hooper will start in the unfamiliar role of openside flanker as Pete Samu shifts to blindside and Rob Valetini to No.8.
As expected, captain Allan Alaalatoa remains sidelined with a calf injury and Nic White retains the leadership duties.
Jack Debreczeni is again preferred to Noah Lolesio at No.10 after a composed performance against the Hurricanes while Wallabies firebrand Darcy Swain is included among the reserves.
“We’ve backed our continuity and combinations this week and we’re going across to New Zealand full of energy and excitement for this challenge,” Larkham said.
Meanwhile, the Chiefs have made three changes to their starting lineup with prop George Dyer, lock Tupou Vaa’i and centre Alex Nankivell replacing John Ryan, Josh Lord and Rameka Poihipi respectively.
“The Brumbies will arrive with a lot of confidence following their victory over the Hurricanes,” Chiefs coach Clayton McMillan said.
“Whilst their customary strengths of lineout maul and contestable kicks were evident, they also showed a willingness to run from deeper in their own half and challenge with the ball in hand, so they are a well rounded side who can hurt you if allow them to get their game going. We have named an experienced side who are fresh, fit and hungry to do a job. Should be a hell of a game!”
CHIEFS (15-1): Shaun Stevenson, Emoni Narawa, Alex Nankivell, Anton Lienert-Brown, Etene Nanai-Seturo, Damian McKenzie, Brad Weber (co-c), Luke Jacobson, Sam Cane (co-c), Samipeni Finau, Tupou Vaa’i, Brodie Retallick, George Dyer, Samisoni Taukei’aho, Aidan Ross
Reserves: Tyrone Thompson, Ollie Norris, John Ryan, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Pita Gus Sowakula, Cortez Ratima, Josh Ioane, Rameka Poihipi.
BRUMBIES (15-1): Tom Wright, Andy Muirhead, Len Ikitau, Tamati Tua, Ollie Sapsford, Jack Debreczeni, Nic White (c), Rob Valetini, Tom Hooper, Pete Samu, Cadeyrn Neville, Nick Frost, Sefo Kautai, Lachlan Lonergan, James Slipper
Reserves: Connal McInerney, Blake Schoupp, Rhys van Nek, Darcy Swain, Luke Reimer, Ryan Lonergan, Noah Lolesio, Corey Toole
For all the latest Sports News Click Here
For the latest news and updates, follow us on Google News.
