Accuracy the key focus for Chiefs
Team to remain the same for Saturday’s semi-final clash
The Gallagher Chiefs earned another week in the DHL Super Rugby Pacific playoffs after a precise performance at home for the quarter-final. Backing the form and synergy of that team, head coach Clayton Mcmillan will field the same group for their semifinal clash against the Hurricanes on Saturday afternoon.
“Our key focus is accuracy and discipline. We improved significantly against the Reds, and that alone enabled us to play the type of game we know we have always been capable of playing,” Mcmillan said.
“It is also encouraging that we have a fit and fresh squad who are chomping at the bit, and for the first time this year, we are able to name an unchanged matchday 23.”
Many standout performances happened across the park last week to cement this week’s team selection.
In particular, hooker Samisoni Taukei’aho, who scored two tries in the first half, and first five-eighth Damian Mckenzie who continued his strong form, adding another 13 points to his competition-leading pointscorer tally of 157 so far this season.
“The Hurricanes have set the pace in this year’s DHL Super Rugby Pacific competition, have earned the right to get the home advantage through the finals, and will be formidable opposition again in front of a large and
expectant home crowd,” Mcmillan said.
“They are a well-balanced team, riding high on confidence. They will be a tough nut to crack, as we have already experienced twice this year. Playing each other for a third time creates new opportunities. I imagine
both teams will draw on previous experiences to understand where the gains can be made.”
The game kicks off at the familyfriendly time of 4.35pm on Saturday at Sky Stadium, Wellington.
Gallagher Chiefs team to face the Hurricanes: 1. Aidan Ross, 2.
Samisoni Taukei’aho, 3. George Dyer, 4. Jimmy Tupou, 5. Tupou Vaa’i, 6. Samipeni Finau, 7. Luke Jacobson (captain), 8. Wallace Sititi, 9. Cortez Ratima, 10. Damian Mckenzie, 11. Etene Nanai-seturo, 12. Rameka Poihipi, 13. Anton Lienert-brown, 14. Emoni Narawa, 15. Shaun Stevenson
Reserves: 16. Bradley Slater, 17. Jared Proffit, 18. Reuben O’neill, 19. Naitoa Ah Kuoi, 20. Simon Parker, 21. Xavier Roe, 22. Quinn Tupaea, 23. Daniel Rona
Unavailable for selection: Kaleb Trask, Malachi Wrampling, Gideon Wrampling, Josh Lord.