Chiefs v Sharks
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Officials
Referee: Nic Berry
AR1: Paul Williams
AR2: Brendon Pickerill
TMO: Aaron Paterson
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Chiefs
1 Atu Moli (32)
2 Nathan Harris (53)
3 Nepo Laulala (26)
4 Tyler Ardron (20)
5 Mitchell Brown (31)
6 Jesse Parete (18)
7 Mitchell Karpik (17)
8 Luke Jacobson (20)
9 Brad Weber (66) (c)
10 Marty McKenzie (25)
11 Etene Nanai-Seturo (8)
12 Anton Lienert-Brown (64)
13 Tumua Manu (10)
14 Sean Wainui (22)
15 Solomon Alaimalo (32)Reserves:
16 Liam Polwart (24)
17 Ryan Coxon (3)
18 Angus Ta’avao (27)
19 Taleni Seu (44)
20 Pita Gus Sowakula (9)
21 Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi (27)
22 Shaun Stevenson (38)
23 Alex Nankivell (16)() = Gallagher Chiefs caps in brackets
*denotes Gallagher Chiefs debut
**denotes Investec Super Rugby debutUnavailable for selection:
Aidan Ross, Brodie Retallick, Damian McKenzie, Fin Hoeata, Jack Debreczeni, Kane Hames, Lachlan Boshier, Laghlan McWhannell, Michael Allardice, Reuben O’Neill, Sam Cane, Sam McNicol and Tiaan Falcon.Head Coach Colin Cooper has had to reshuffle his forward pack following injuries to Michael Allardice (ankle) and Lachlan Boshier (ribs) against the Highlanders last week. Tyler Ardron will shift into lock combining with Mitchell Brown. Jesse Parete moves from the bench to start at six, with Luke Jacobson moving to number eight. Mitch Karpik returns from a knee injury to start on the openside. Cooper has named an unchanged backline from the side that took the field in Dunedin. Halfback Brad Weber will captain the side in the absence of co-captains Brodie Retallick and Sam Cane. The reserves bench is largely unchanged with the exception of Pita Gus Sowakula named in jersey number 20 and utility back Alex Nankivell is named as the twenty third player.https://www.chiefs.co.nz/news-item/gallagher-chiefs-set-for-sharks-challenge
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The Chiefs forwards will struggle against their bigger and taller opponents. Hard to determine which team will win this one.
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If the Shorks take their Saders gameplan along then the Chiefs will really struggle.
Chiefs do best at long range when a half break can open up spaces at depth and have recruited for that gameplan (which relies on the likes of DMac to feed off). Short range penetration without BBBR is not their forte.
Shorks may be happy to park the bus like they did against the Saders.
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On another topic, I have not previously been a fan of Nankivell but in earlier games this season he really showed some dedication, strength and smarts. The nearest playing style equivalent I can come up with is 2005 Umaga (including midfield loosie attributes). I would have thought this is exactly the type of game where he would be valuable.
I guess the season itself is written off at the moment and the Chiefs think there is more upside in providing experience to Manu for next year.
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Aphelele Fassi, Sbu Nkosi, Lukhanyo Am, Marius Louw, Makazole Mapimpi, Curwin Bosch, Louis Schreuder (c), Philip van der Walt, Jean-Luc du Preez, Jacques Vermeulen, Ruan Botha, Hyron Andrews, Coenie Oosthuizen, Kerron van Vuuren, Thomas du Toit
Reserves: Fezokuhle Mbatha, Mzamo Majola, John-Hubert Meyer, Tyler Paul, Luke Stringer, Cameron Wright, Robert du Preez, Kobus van Wyk
There are two changes to the pack with lock Hyron Andrews coming into the starting side for Ruben van Heerden while Philip van der Walt shifts to No 8 for Daniel du Preez and Jacques Vermeulen is the openside flanker. Marius Louw starts at inside centre Springbok Andre Eesterhuizen in the only change to the backline.
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Wait... What...did I see that right? Wainui is only 23?
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@Bones yep. I remember him being on the Mitre 10 Cup scene the same year he was U20s NZ.
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Marty Mckenzie has an unerring ability to kick straight to the man who the chiefs aren’t chasing up on.
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Why would Marty Mac kick turnover ball away, especially when the Sharks have players back to receive it?
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The Sharks trying to milk penalties doesn't quite work with this ref.
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I hope the TMO is checking that collision in the air.
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ALB to the rescue with a try saving cover tackle.
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I miss dmac in chiefs games ,
From an entertainment point of view , just miss that , wonder what’s going to happen next feeling
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My goodness, the kick chase needs some work.
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@KiwiMurph cheers. Geez for some reason I thought he was way older.
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Second clearing option also needed. Who’s our new James Lowe? Can Stevenson do that role? It doesn’t seem Alaimalo’s forte.
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Good try.
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Really nice to see Moli back and making an impact.
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Bugger
