Gallagher Chiefs named to face Rebels in Melbourne
The Gallagher Chiefs have named a strong side to travel to Melbourne to take on the Rebels at AMMI Park on Sunday. With a 4pm kickoff (NZ time), the Gallagher Chiefs are chasing a vital game as they push for a top-four spot and home field advantage for the upcoming playoffs in DHL Super Rugby Pacific.
Key changes include the return of co-captain Brad Weber who has been missing from the team since being injured against the Blues on 9 April. Likewise first-five Josh Ioane has been out for five weeks and makes an important return.
The Gallagher Chiefs will boast a big pack with Tongan Samipeni Finau to start at No 6 which allows Luke Jacobson to move to No 8 and gives the hard-working Pita Gus Sowakula a welcome chance to come off the bench.
Weber will be reunited with Ioane to guide the backs, with Emoni Narawa to start on the right wing and Kaleb Trask at fullback.
The Gallagher Chiefs are in fourth place on the same points as fifth-placed Waratahs and a point ahead of the Reds.
Gallagher Chiefs Head Coach Clayton McMillan said he is pleased that some of his experienced leaders are making a welcome return to action.
“We are well aware of what is at stake over the next three weeks. Everyone wants to make the finals, ideally at home, and the race to secure points and bring that to fruition is certainly heating up.
“We need to be focused and hungry for each game starting with the Rebels this week. They are a much better side than some of their recent results suggest, and will come out firing in front of their home fans.”
The Gallagher Chiefs team to play the Melbourne Rebels is
1. Aidan Ross
2. Samisoni Taukei’aho
3. Angus Ta’avao
4. Josh Lord
5. Naitoa Ah Kuoi
6. Samipeni Finau
7. Sam Cane (Co-Captain)
8. Luke Jacobson
9. Brad Weber (Co-Captain)
10. Josh Ioane
11. Etene Nanai-Seturo
12. Quinn Tupaea
13. Rameka Poihipi
14. Emoni Narawa
15. Kaleb Trask
16. Tyrone Thompson
17. Ollie Norris
18. Atu Moli
19. Pita Gus Sowakula
20. Mitch Brown
21. Xavier Roe
22. Rivez Reihana
23. Inga Finau
Unavailable for selection:
Brodie Retallick, Laghlan McWhannell, Shaun Stevenson
Season ending: Reuben O’Neill, Simon Parker, Sione Mafileo, Anton Lienert-Brown
Fixture Information:
Gallagher Chiefs vs Rebels – Sunday 15 May, 4pm NZT
Location: AAMI Park, Melbourne
Broadcast: Live on Sky Sport
