Gallagher Chiefs travelling squad to tour South Africa

A 29-man travelling squad has touched down in South Africa ahead of the two-game South African tour against the Stormers and Sharks.

New face Matt Matich joins the squad for injury replacement after training with the team throughout pre-season. The flanker plays for Northland in the Mitre 10 Cup. Sam Cane is rested for the South African tour having sustained an abdominal strain.

Jesse Parete also earns a spot on tour after an impressive debut off the bench against the Jaguares where he scored the team’s only try with a powerful run through a determined Jaguares defence.

A familiar backline are on the ground in South Africa, including regulars Damian McKenzie, Anton Lienert-Brown, Sean Wainui and Charlie Ngatai.

The first game of the tour kicks off against the Stormers in Cape Town this Sunday morning at 1:05am (New Zealand time). The following week, the Gallagher Chiefs will take on the Sharks in Durban with the game kicking off at 1:05am (NZT).

The Gallagher Chiefs have played nine games so far this season, winning six, including impressive New Zealand derby wins against the Highlanders and Blues, as well as being beaten only three times. At the conclusion of the South African tour, the team will play the Waratahs at FMG Stadium Waikato on Saturday 26 May, followed by a huge derby against defending champs the Crusaders the following weekend in Hamilton.

The group in South Africa are:
FORWARDS:
Karl Tu’inukuafe
Sam Prattley
Angus Ta’avao-Matau
Jeffrey Thwaites
Sosefo Kautai
Nathan Harris
Liam Polwart
Samisoni Taukei’aho
Brodie Retallick
Tyler Ardron
Luke Jacobson
Pita Gus Sowakula
Michael Allardice
Liam Messam
Jesse Parete
Matt Matich

BACKS:
Brad Weber
Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi
Jonathan Taumateine
Damian McKenzie
Marty McKenzie
Solomon Alaimalo
Johnny Faauli
Anton Lienert-Brown
Charlie Ngatai
Sean Wainui
Alex Nankivell
Shaun Stevenson
Toni Pulu