Former Queen Victoria School student Emoni Narawa will play his 50th Gallagher Chiefs Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific game from the bench this Saturday when they face the Highlanders in Dunedin.
The milestone appearance marks Narawa’s first competition match since suffering a punctured lung while playing for the All Blacks against South Africa at Eden Park last year.
The winger’s return carries added significance, having made his Chiefs debut against the Highlanders in 2022 following two seasons and seven appearances with the Blues.
Meanwhile, the Chiefs have re-signed internationals Leroy Carter and Simon Parker for the clash, with Carter starting on the left wing in the only change to the starting XV by head coach Jono Gibbes.
Parker has also been named on the bench.
The pair confirmed earlier this month that they had extended their contracts through to the end of 2028 after breakout seasons last year, which resulted in both players making their Test debuts.
Also included on the bench is three-Test halfback Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi.
Meanwhile, last week’s match-winning try scorer Cortez Ratima will not travel to Dunedin as he awaits the birth of his second child.
Coach Jono Gibbes says local derbies continue to demand a higher level of physical and mental intensity.
The Chiefs will take on the Highlanders at 6.05pm Saturday.
The Drua play the Waratahs at 8.35pm this Friday at Allianz Stadium.
In other games, the Hurricanes host Moana Pasifika at 6.05pm Friday, the Force will face the Blues at 8.35pm Saturday, while the Crusaders play the Brumbies at 2.35pm Sunday.
Source: Chiefs.co.nz
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