Boshier, Poihipi to captain first pre-season match
The Gallagher Chiefs have named their team to take the field in Tokyo for their first pre-season match against the Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights this Sunday.
The Cross Border Rugby games are set to be played with a team of 28 players, giving teams an additional five reserves. The extended format will allow sides to trial combinations and ensure players get valuable game time ahead of DHL Super Rugby Pacific kick-off in three weeks.
Recently announced vice-captains for the season, Kaylum Boshier and Rameka Poihipi, will commence their responsibilities this weekend in the absence of Luke Jacobson who remains on All Blacks playing leave.
Halfback Xavier Roe and midfielder Quinn Tupaea will also start after missing the 2023 season due to injury.
Notable opportunities will come for wider squad members Tana Tahukaraina, Josh Jacomb, Millenium Sanerivi, Wallace Sititi, Tevita Ofa, Cody Nordstrom and Riley Hohepa who will take the field in a Gallagher Chiefs jersey for the first time during this game.
The match will kick off at 6.30pm NZT and be broadcast live on Sky Sport, delayed broadcast on Sky Open.
Gallagher Chiefs team to face Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights:
1. Ollie Norris
2. Bradley Slater
3. George Dyer
4. Jimmy Tupou
5. Naitoa Ah Kuoi
6. Samipeni Finau
7. Kaylum Boshier (Co-Captain)
8. Malachi Wrampling
9. Xavier Roe
10. Josh Ioane
11. Peniasi Malimali
12. Quinn Tupaea
13. Rameka Poihipi (Co-Captain)
14. Tana Tuhakaraina
15. Josh Jacomb
16. Millenium Sanerivi
17. Aidan Ross
18. Reuben O'Neill
19. Manaaki Selby-Rickit
20. Wallace Sititi
21. Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi
22. Tevita Ofa
23. Liam Coombes-Fabling
24. Riley Hohepa
25. Cody Nordstrom
26. Hamilton Burr
27. Jared Proffit
28. Kauvaka Kaivelata
Broadcast
Live on Sky Sport. Delayed coverage on Sky Open
Match Details
Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights vs Gallagher Chiefs
2.30pm JST/ 6.30pm NZST, Sunday 4 February 2024
Kumagaya Rugby Stadium
All media enquries to [email protected]
