Four debutants have been named in the Gallagher Chiefs squad for their opening Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific clash against the Blues at Eden Park, as head coach Jono Gibbes finalised his side for the highly anticipated season opener.
Kyren Taumoefolau is set to make his Chiefs debut on the wing after spending the past three seasons with Moana Pasifika.
The New Zealand-born Tongan international will line up in the back three alongside experienced winger Etene Nanai-Seturo and Liam Coombes-Fabling.
Kyle Brown, Benet Kumeroa and Tepaea Cook-Savage are also in line for their first appearances off the bench in a matchday 23 that features seven All Blacks.
Samisoni Taukei’aho, Josh Lord, Tupou Vaa’i, Luke Jacobson and Quinn Tupaea have been named in the starting XV, with Samipeni Finau and Cortez Ratima providing impact from the bench.
Jacobson returns as captain for the new campaign, supported by vice-captains Tupou Vaa’i and Quinn Tupaea.
In the midfield, Tupaea will partner All Blacks XV centre Daniel Rona, while Josh Jacomb takes charge at first five-eighth, with Damian McKenzie unavailable following the birth of his first child earlier this week.
Gibbes says naming the side reflected the work put in by the squad during the pre-season, adding that it was a special moment for those making their debuts.
Meanwhile, the Blues starting lineup includes Joshua Fusitu'a, Bradley Slater, Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Sam Darry, Josh Beehre, Torian Barnes, Dalton Papali'i (C), Hoskins Sotutu, Finlay Christie, Stephen Perofeta, Caleb Clarke, Pita Akhi, AJ Lam, Cole Forbes, and Zarn Sullivan.
Replacements: James Mullan, Mason Tupaea, Marcel Renata, Laghlan McWhannell, Anton Segner, Sam Nock, Xavi Taele, and Codemeru Vai.
The Chiefs take on the Blues at 6.05pm Saturday.
In other games, the Highlanders will host the Crusaders at 6.05pm on Friday, the Waratahs meet the Reds at 8.35pm on Friday, while the Force play the Brumbies at 8.35pm.
Moana Pasifika face the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua at 3.35pm on Saturday,
Source: Chiefs.co
