Super Rugby Pacific 2023: Chiefs v Brumbies semifinal match to be ‘a hell of a game’

The Chiefs hope to beat the Brumbies again this Saturday to secure a spot in the Super Rugby Pacific final. Photo / Getty Images

The top-of-the-table Gallagher Chiefs have their eyes firmly on the Super Rugby 2023 final after naming an experienced squad for the game against the ACT Brumbies on Saturday.

Chiefs head coach Clayton McMillan says the team is “relishing” the opportunity to play a home semifinal in front of their loyal supporters and whānau.

“We feel their presence and the team are hugely motivated to put in a performance they can be proud of. We have named an experienced side who are fresh, fit and hungry to do a job,” McMillan says.

“The Brumbies will arrive with a lot of confidence following their victory over the Hurricanes. Whilst their customary strengths of lineout maul and contestable kicks were evident, they also showed a willingness to run from deeper in their own half and challenge with the ball in hand, so they are a well-rounded side who can hurt you if allow them to get their game going.”

McMillan has only made three changes to the starting line-up as lock Tupou Vaa’i and centre Alex Nankivell return from injury, so Rameka Poihipi will add midfield impact from the bench.

George Dyer will start at tighthead prop, while All Blacks Aidan Ross, Samisoni Taukei’aho and Brodie Retallick complete the tight five.

The loose forwards are unchanged with the ever-consistent Samipeni Finau, co-captain Sam Cane, and Luke Jacobson at No 8.

Brad Weber commands the starting halfback role, with impact to come off the bench from the dangerous Cortez Ratima, who boasts a remarkable passing accuracy of 99.3 per cent across the 15 games he has played this season.

The top points-scorer and goal-kicker in the competition, Damian McKenzie runs out at first five with Josh Ioane as support, while Anton Lienert-Brown joins Nankivell in the midfield, and the dynamic Etene Nanai-Seturo, Emoni Narawa and Shaun Stevenson complete a potent back three.

Tyrone Thompson enters the line-up as the reserve hooker, with Ollie Norris named alongside John Ryan to support at prop. Pita Gus Sowakula and Naitoa Ah Kuoi will provide their usual power off the bench at loose forward or in the second row.

“It should be a hell of a game,” McMillan says.

The semifinal kicks off at 7.05pm on Saturday at FMG Stadium Waikato.

Gallagher Chiefs team to face the Brumbies

1. Aidan Ross (72)

2. Samisoni Taukei’aho (75)

3. George Dyer (19)

4. Brodie Retallick (126)

5. Tupou Vaa’i (42)

6. Samipeni Finau (30)

7. Sam Cane (Co-Captain, 148)

8. Luke Jacobson (61)

9. Brad Weber (Co-Captain 121)

10. Damian McKenzie (109)

11. Etene Nanai-Seturo (42)

12. Anton Lienert-Brown (104)

13. Alex Nankivell (68)

14. Emoni Narawa (27)

15. Shaun Stevenson (82)

Reserves

16. Tyrone Thompson (13)

17. Ollie Norris (43)

18. John Ryan (15)

19. Naitoa Ah Kuoi (47)

20. Pita Gus Sowakula (67)

21. Cortez Ratima (24)

22. Josh Ioane (9)

23. Rameka Poihipi (28)