The Chiefs have received a big boost for Saturday night’s Shop N Super Rugby Pacific final against the Crusaders in Christchurch, with star fullback Shaun Stevenson cleared to play after passing concussion tests.
The 28-year-old was in doubt for the decider after clashing heads with team-mate Cortez Ratima when attempting to stop Corey Toole’s second try in the 44th minute of the 37-17 semifinal win over the Brumbies in Hamilton last Saturday night.
Stevenson failed his head injury assessment (HIA), which ruled him out of the rest of the match and also nearly brought about the prospect of an end to his career with the franchise.
The one-test All-Black, who has played 109 matches for the Chiefs since 2016, will join Japanese club Kubota after this season.
Coach Clayton McMillan had good news to deliver yesterday as his side hunts for their first championship since 2013 and ends what is the longest-current title drought of any Kiwi side.
He says that all players who left the field for an HIA have all passed and are cleared to play.
However, still in question for this week is Josh Lord, who was ruled out of the semifinal after suffering a concussion seven days prior to their quarterfinal defeat to the Blues.
The Chiefs have beaten the Crusaders in both their match-ups this season − 49-24 in Hamilton in round two and 35-19 in Christchurch in round 13.
They will be hoping to make it three out of three when they face the Crusaders in Christchurch at 7.05pm on Saturday in Christchurch.
[Source: Stuff.co.nz]
