DMac to return at first-five against Moana Pasifika

Damian McKenzie will return at first-five for the Chiefs against Moana Pasifika after missing last week’s loss to the Crusaders.

With Damian McKenzie back at the controls, it would be one of the greatest Super Rugby shocks of all time if the Chiefs lost to Moana Pasifika at their Waikato Stadium home, a venue where their only defeat in the last two seasons was to the Crusaders in last year’s final.

Chiefs coach Clayton McMillan says a highlight this week is rewarding players who have worked hard to get their first opportunity to play.

McMillan says they are back to their full squad and can’t wait to see them state their case for further inclusion, especially at home in front of their loyal supporters.

Moana Pasifika coach Tana Umaga says they are building a resilient group and they know it won’t be easy, but they are capable and now is their chance to give their best against the Chiefs”.

The Chiefs have beaten Moana Pasifika heavily in all three of their previous meetings – 59-12 and 45-12 in 2022 and 52-29 in 2023.

Source: Stuff.co