Gallagher Chiefs named to face Hurricanes
The Gallagher Chiefs twenty three have been named to don the 1996 Gallagher Chiefs heritage jersey when they run out at FMG Stadium Waikato to take on the Hurricanes on Friday 15 March at 7.35pm.
Head Coach Colin Cooper has made six changes to the starting line up from last week’s match against the Crusaders.
Experienced lock Michael Allardice returns to combine with Captain Brodie Retallick. The return of Allardice moves dynamic forward Tyler Ardron back into number eight with Taleni Seu providing cover on the bench in jersey number 19. Mitchell Karpik the other change in the forward pack to start with Lachlan Boshier ruled out with injury.
First five-eighth Marty McKenzie returns from injury to start in the number ten jersey with brother Damian McKenzie shifting to fullback. Japanese international Ataata Moeakiola secures his first start of the season on the left wing ahead of Etene Nanai-Seturo who will make an impact off the bench in jersey 23.
Off the bench Tasman loose head prop Ryan Coxon will be hoping to make his Investec Super Rugby debut in front of a home crowd at FMG Stadium Waikato. Waikato’s Luke Jacobson joins Coxon to earn his place in the twenty three for the first time this season.
Gallagher Chiefs Head Coach Colin Cooper said "We have had a testing couple of weeks and we know the Hurricanes will be a strong challenge. We are not afraid of the contest on Friday, we have come together as a team and will focus on sticking to our structures and working on delivering our game plan.”
Gallagher Chiefs:
1. Aidan Ross (17)
2. Nathan Harris (47)
3. Nepo Laulala (20)
4. Brodie Retallick (102) ©
5. Michael Allardice (37)
6. Mitchell Brown (25)
7. Mitchell Karpik (16)
8. Tyler Ardron (12)
9. Brad Weber (60)
10. Marty McKenzie (18)
11. Ataata Moeakiola (3)
12. Anton Lienert-Brown (58)
13. Tumua Manu (3)
14. Sean Wainui (17)
15. Damian McKenzie (68)
Reserves:
16. Samisoni Taukei’aho (13)
17. Ryan Coxon**
18. Angus Ta’avao (20)
19. Taleni Seu (38)
20. Luke Jacobson (13)
21. Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi (21)
22. Alex Nankivell (11)
23. Etene Nanai-Seturo (4)
() = Gallagher Chiefs caps in brackets
*denotes Gallagher Chiefs debut
**denotes Investec Super Rugby debut
Unavailable for selection:
Atu Moli, Fin Hoeata, Jack Debreczeni, Kane Hames, Lachlan Boshier, Liam Polwart, Reuben O’Neill, Sam Cane, Sam McNicol, Solomon Alaimalo, Stephen Donald, Tiaan Falcon and Tevita Mafileo,
A selection of the heritage playing jerseys worn by the Gallagher Chiefs on Friday will be signed by players and auctioned off on Trade Me. The auctions have been running since Tuesday 12 March and will run until Tuesday 19 March. The money raised from the Trade Me auctions will be given to the Chiefs Rugby Club Alumni Programme. There were also 300 individually numbered 1996 Gallagher Chiefs Heritage Jerseys on sale from Monday with 250 already sold.
In addition to the excitement surrounding the 1996 Gallagher Chiefs replica jersey, Winger Subaru will be continuing their boot drive at the ground where attendees are encouraged to bring along and donate their rugby boots to The WaterBoy, who will provide Kiwis with the opportunity to participate in sport with the donated boots provided. Winger Subaru will also be holding a Boot Party on Mill Street field which will be bustling with 200 supporters ahead of the game.
We will be kicking the weekend off with a bang with pyro technics and DROPIT reverse auctions. Free kids packs will be available at the 1-day.co.nz Fun Zones and an exclusive member’s entrance will be open at each gate. There are also plenty of prizes up for grabs with Gallagher Surprise and Delight packs which will be handed out throughout the game to legendary Gallagher Chiefs fans and Splice Construction rugby balls will be kicked into the crowd post-game as perfect keepsakes to have signed by the team.
GAME DAY INFORMATION:
Fixture: Gallagher Chiefs vs. Hurricanes, 7.35pm, Friday 15 March
Gates Open: 5.50pm
Location: FMG Stadium Waikato
Tickets and Memberships: https://www.chiefs.co.nz/game-tickets
1996 Gallagher Heritage Jersey: http://bit.ly/2EMvX9D
