Gallagher Chiefs named for Investec Super Rugby opener against the Pulse Energy Highlanders
The Gallagher Chiefs have been named ahead of their Investec Super Rugby derby opener against the Pulse Energy Highlanders at FMG Stadium Waikato on Friday 15 February at 7.35pm.
Four promising Gallagher Chiefs debutants will make their debut on Friday. Debutants include 21 year old fly half Orbyn Leger, All Blacks Sevens star Etene Nanai-Seturo, Auckland centre Tumua Manu and Tongan-born Japan international winger Ataata Moeakiola. A special occasion for the new players, they’ll look to make their mark in the Gallagher Chiefs jersey in front of the home crowd at FMG Stadium Waikato.
A vastly experienced and determined line-up includes returning All Blacks Nathan Harris, Brodie Retallick, Anton Leinert-Brown, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi and Angus Ta’avao. In addition to the experience an injection of talented youth in the backline will set the tone for side’s 2019 Investec Super Rugby campaign opener.
In naming the side head coach Colin Cooper touched on the privilege these young men have to play in the Gallagher Chiefs jersey.
“It will be a proud moment for our debutants when they run out with the team on Friday. It is a privilege to wear the Gallagher Chiefs jersey and as a team we want to demonstrate to our whanau and supporters how proud we are to represent our region and club.”
The Gallagher Chiefs team:
1. Atu Moli (29)
2. Nathan Harris (44)
3. Angus Ta’avao (17)
4. Brodie Retallick (98) (C)
5. Michael Allardice (34)
6. Mitchell Brown (21)
7. Lachlan Boshier (30)
8. Tyler Ardron (10)
9. Brad Weber (57)
10. Orbyn Leger*
11. Etene Nanai-Seturo**
12. Anton Lienert-Brown (55)
13. Tumua Manu*
14. Bailyn Sullivan (1)
15. Shaun Stevenson (33)
Reserves:
16. Samisoni Taukei'aho (9)
17. Aidan Ross (13)
18. Nepo Laulala (17)
19. Taleni Seu (34)
20. Jesse Parete (9)
21. Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi (17)
22. Stephen Donald (104)
23. Ataata Moeakiola**
() = Gallagher Chiefs caps in brackets
*denotes Gallagher Chiefs debut
**denotes Investec Super Rugby debut
The fixture brought to you by PwC will have plenty to offer for spectators. Spectators are treated to two for one adult tickets in the Love Zone (commonly known as the Green Zone) where Valentines can bring along their other half for free. ‘Kiss cam’, ‘Dance cam’ and ‘Hug a Highlander’ cam will be a feature plus pyro technics, DROPIT reverse auctions, free kids packs at the 1-Day.co.nz Fun Zones and an exclusive member’s entrance at each gate along with plenty of prizes up for grabs.
This week’s curtain raiser will feature the region’s up and coming with the Splice Construction Chiefs Development taking on the Chiefs Under 20’s at 5.00pm.
GAME DAY INFORMATION:
FIXTURE: Gallagher Chiefs vs. Pulse Energy Highlanders, 7.35pm
CURTAIN RAISER: Splice Construction Chiefs Development vs. Chiefs Under 20’s, 5.00pm
GATES OPEN: 4.45pm
LOCATION: FMG Stadium Waikato
TICKETS & MEMBERSHIPS: https://www.chiefs.co.nz/game-tickets
