Gallagher Chiefs host Waratahs for DHL Super Rugby Pacific Quarter Final
The Gallagher Chiefs have a settled look to their line-up for the quarter final clash hosting the Waratahs at FMG Stadium Waikato in Hamilton on Saturday.
Third on the ladder at the conclusion of the DHL Super Rugby Pacific round-robin competition, the Gallagher Chiefs have a virtually unchanged team for their knockout clash, and are hoping their fans turnout in force to support their team.
“We need to enjoy the moment, there is a lot of blood, sweat, and tears gone into this jersey and we want to enjoy the fact we have earnt the right to be here” said Head Coach Clayton McMillan.
Missing will be co-captain Sam Cane, who remains out of the side with his knee injury with McMillan deciding not to risk further injury. The versatile Luke Jacobson will move to openside flanker with Samipeni Finau remaining in the starting line-up at loose forward and the in-form Pita Gus Sowakula rounding out the forward pack.
The Gallagher Chiefs welcome back star wingers Jonah Lowe and Etene Nanai-Seturo, who provide real energy on the flanks, which also frees up Alex Nankivell to return to the midfield where he has been a force both on attack and defence. Lowe will have fond memories, having scored four tries in the 51-27, seven tries to three, mauling of the Waratahs during the Super Round in Melbourne.
“It’s the small moments. There are small moments in games that might not look like much in isolation, but stack a few of them together and that can be the difference between winning and losing” said McMillan on the key to coming away with a win this weekend.
Jacobson also acknowledges the influence of a home field advantage, “I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, we love playing at FMG Stadium Waikato and to get the chance to go out in front of our fans, you just can’t beat being at home.”
A large and vocal home crowd is expected for this afternoon match, and the Club has a great ticket offer for families with two adults and two kids just $50, which includes a goodie bag for the first 1,000 kids. There is also a student offer for $22 which includes a free Gallagher Chiefs beanie, bus to and from the game, and a front row spot in the Green Zone to hear Sambora perform as part of the pre-match hype.
The Gallagher Chiefs team to meet the Waratahs at FMG Stadium on Saturday with a 4.05pm kickoff is:
1. Aidan Ross
2. Samisoni Taukei’aho
3. Angus Ta’avao
4. Brodie Retallick
5. Tupou Vaa’i
6. Samipeni Finau
7. Luke Jacobson
8. Pita Gus Sowakula
9. Brad Weber ©
10. Bryn Gatland
11. Etene Nanai-Seturo
12. Quinn Tupaea
13. Alex Nankivell
14. Jonah Lowe
15. Emoni Narawa
Reserves
16. Bradley Slater
17. Ollie Norris
18. Atu Moli
19. Naitoa Ah Khoi
20. Mitch Brown
21. Xavier Rowe
22. Josh Ioane
23. Rameka Poihipi
Fixture Information
Gallagher Chiefs v Waratahs (DHL Super Rugby Pacific Quarter Final)
FMG Stadium Waikato
Saturday 4th June, 4:35pm
