Chiefs Recall 7 All Blacks for Reds Qualifying Final

Chiefs Recall 7 All Blacks for Reds Qualifying Final
[Image: Gallagher Chiefs]

Chiefs coach Jono Gibbes has recalled seven All Blacks to his starting XV for tonight's Qualifying Final against the Reds in Hamilton.

He has also moved Samipeni Finau to the bench and brought Leroy Carter back from injury via the reserves.

Damian McKenzie will start at first five after missing the last two games due to concussion.

He will have the in-form Quinn Tupaea outside him and the dynamic Isaac Hutchinson at fullback.

Luke Jacobson returns to captain the side from openside flanker and is joined by a host of All Blacks, with Ollie Norris, Samisoni Taukei'aho, Tupou Vaa'i and Simon Parker all returning to the starting lineup.

It means Sione Ahio is the only non-All Black in the forward pack, with two-thirds of the starting XV and half of the bench having worn the black jersey.

McKenzie is symptom-free and looking forward to returning to action after witnessing a strong performance against the Blues last week.

The Gallagher Chiefs have won 10 of their last 13 Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific matches against the Reds, including their last three in a row. This will be the third time the two sides have met in the finals, with the Chiefs winning both previous encounters.

The Chiefs have also won 10 of their last 12 finals matches at FMG Stadium Waikato, including all six of their playoff games against Australian opposition.

The Chiefs will take on the Reds at 7.05 tonight.

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