Gallagher Chiefs set for thrilling Rebels challenge in Melbourne

The Gallagher Chiefs will take on the Melbourne Rebels at AAMI Park in Melbourne on Friday evening at 9.45pm (NZT) in their last match of the regular season.

The 23-man side is hungry to put on a performance worthy of a spot in the Investec Super Rugby quarter finals next week.

Head coach Colin Cooper has made only three changes to his starting fifteen that beat the Crusaders in exhilarating fashion in Fiji.

All three changes feature in the forward pack. Consistent performer Angus Ta’avao will start at tighthead prop with Nepo Laulala primed to make an impact off the bench in jersey 18. Nathan Harris returns refreshed from All Blacks leave to start at hooker. Co-captain Brodie Retallick returns from injury eager to impress at lock, combining with workhorse Tyler Ardron.

Joining Laulala on the reserves bench is explosive hooker Samisoni Taukei’aho and versatile loose forward Jesse Parete.

Cooper said the Gallagher Chiefs were excited for the challenge this weekend.

“It is great to have key men like Brodie and Nathan return for this game. We are really looking forward to taking on the Rebels in Melbourne on Friday night. There’s plenty to play for, for both teams. It will be a fantastic contest for spectators to enjoy.”

“The team is excited to don the Gallagher Chiefs jersey and put on performance our fans will be proud of back at home,” finished Cooper.

Gallagher Chiefs:
1. Atu Moli (36)
2. Nathan Harris (56)
3. Angus Ta’avao (30)
4. Brodie Retallick (105)
5. Tyler Ardron (24)
6. Lachlan Boshier (42)
7. Sam Cane (109) (c)
8. Pita Gus Sowakula (13)
9. Brad Weber (70)
10. Jack Debreczeni (4)
11. Sean Wainui (24)
12. Alex Nankivell (21)
13. Anton Lienert-Brown (67)
14. Shaun Stevenson (42)
15. Solomon Alaimalo (36)

Reserves:
16. Samisoni Taukei’aho (24)
17. Aidan Ross (23)
18. Nepo Laulala (30)
19. Jesse Parete (22)
20. Mitchell Jacobson (2)
21. Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi (30)
22. Marty McKenzie (29)
23. Tumua Manu (14)

() = Gallagher Chiefs caps in brackets
*denotes Gallagher Chiefs debut
**denotes Investec Super Rugby debut

Unavailable for selection:
Bailyn Sullivan, Damian McKenzie, Etene Nanai-Seturo, Fin Hoeata, Kane Hames, Laghlan McWhannell, Liam Polwart, Luke Jacobson, Michael Allardice, Mitchell Brown, Mitchell Karpik, Reuben O’Neill, Sam McNicol, Taleni Seu and Tiaan Falcon.

Game Day Information:
Fixture: Gallagher Chiefs vs. Melbourne Rebels, Friday 14 June, 7.45pm(AUST)/9.45pm (NZT)
Location: AAMI Park, Melbourne, Australia