CHIEFS vs FIJIAN DRUA in Hamilton, Saturday 5.30pm kickoff AEDT
The Chiefs are itching to get their season back on track after suffering their first loss of 2024 against the Reds last weekend.
“It was disappointing to lose against a tough Reds team, but it put a spotlight on areas of our game we need to improve, and that has been a big focus for us this week,” coach Clayton McMillan said.
“Josh Lord’s return is timely given an injury to Naitoa Ah Kuoi and Tupou Vaa’i on an All Blacks load management week. Tom Florence also gets his first opportunity this year after impressing over the pre-season and in training.”
CHIEFS (15-1): Shaun Stevenson, Daniel Rona, Anton Lienert-Brown, Rameka Poihipi, Damian McKenzie, Cortez Ratima, Luke Jacobson (c), Kaylum Boshier, Samipeni Finau, Jimmy Tupou, Manaaki Selby-Rickit, Reuben O’Neill, Samisoni Taukei’aho, Aidan Ross
Reserves: Bradley Slater, Ollie Norris, George Dyer, Josh Lord, Tom Florence, Xavier Roe, Josh Ioane, Quinn Tupaea
DRUA (15-1): Ilaisa Droasese, Selestino Ravutaumada, Iosefo Masi, Michael Naitokani, Junior Ratuva, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Simione Kuruvoli, Meli Derenalagi (c), Vilive Miramira, Etonia Waqa, Ratu Leone Rotuisolia, Mesake Vocevoce, Jone Koroiduadua, Mesulame Dolokoto, Haereiti Hetet
Reserves: Zuriel Togiatama, Emosi Tuqiri, Samuela Tawake, Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, Elia Canakaivata, Peni Matawalu, Kemu Valetini, Taniela Rakuro